Chandler basketball talent shoots to victory
BY TIM J. RANDALL
College basketball analyst Dick Vitale shows his love for the game by the way he praises the players.
When Vitale sees a talented young player, he often refers to them as a “Diaper Dandy,” or a “P.T.P., a prime-time player.”
Vitale gushes often and soon may do the same when he talks about Markus Howard, a 16-year-old guard from Chandler who formerly attended Perry High School. Markus, the youngest of three sons by Noemi Santana Howard and Clarence “Chuck” DeWitt Howard, is part of a dynamic basketball family. Desmond, 21, is an accomplished basketball skills trainer in the Valley, while Jordan, 19, was named Southland Conference Freshman of the Year from the University of Central Arkansas. Not to be outdone, Markus has been building his own basketball pedigree.
“I have to thank my parents for all they have done for my basketball success,” Markus said. “They have been very involved.”
The most recent achievement was a crowning one at that, as Markus was part of Team USA’s 16 and under roster that captured the gold medal in June at the
FIBA (International Basketball Federation) Americas Championship in Bahía Blanca, Argentina.
The victory was hard fought as the squad
Phyllis Carr surprised by Teacher of the Year award
BY TRACY HOUSE
Hamilton High School English teacher Phyllis Carr was in the middle of class when the principal and superintendent walked in.
Because she was instructing 12th graders, Carr said she believed the two school officials were going to discuss graduation. Instead, Chandler Chamber of Commerce CEO Terri Kimble joined in to announce that Carr was her organization’s Teacher of the Year.
“I had no idea what was going on,” Carr said. “It was an absolute surprise.”
Each year the chamber honors educators in the community, based on nominations by colleagues, parents and students. A committee reviews the nominations.
“Hers just stood out—her passion
and some of the things that she’s done,” Kimble said. “She mentors other teachers who have come in.
Nobody asks her to do that. She’s just so passionate about teaching other teachers how to be good teachers.”
Carr, who was nominated by a colleague, teaches honors English 10 and AP English 12.
Teaching is a second career for Carr. For 20 years, she managed a doctor’s office. After her daughter finished high school, Carr returned to college to pursue a degree in education. It took eight years.
“Once I started going back to school, I realized what I always wanted to do was be a teacher,” she said.
Carr is beginning her 20th year of
For his part, Markus set a record for threepoint shooting, making 15 shots out of 31 for a 48.4 shooting percentage. That prolific mark from behind the arc helped Team USA go 5-0 in the tournament and win their fourth consecutive FIBA title.
“It was such a great experience playing for the USA team,” Markus said. “We had a great group of guys as teammates.”
The journey to the gold began for Markus in May 2014 when Don Showalter, head coach of Team USA under 16, saw the young talent. Markus was invited to attend a Team USA mini-camp later that year, with the hopes of an invitation to a tryout.
Markus eventually made the cut down to the final 12 players to earn the right to represent his country. “It was an honor to play for the USA and winning the gold is the highlight of my career so far,” Markus said. Markus started playing the game at age 3. He played against great competition, that is, his older brothers. “The best player I have played against is my brother, Jordan,” Markus said.
Now the 6-foot, 1-inch athlete is taking on national competition in the quest to improve his game.
“That is the reason I am transferring from Perry to Findlay Prep. I get to play against the best talent every day.”
rallied from a 20-point deficit in the final game against Canada. “We really played hard as a team to come back and win,” Markus said.
As a freshman and sophomore at Perry, Markus scored 1,570 points, grabbed 207 rebounds, and dished out 147 assists in 58 games en route to being named to the USA Today All-USA Arizona Team in 2014 and 2015.
With the FIBA tourney complete, Markus
BY KEN ABRAMCZYK
The Chandler City Council took another step toward transforming downtown when it approved an agreement earlier this month with Valley developer Thomas Gardner to build two buildings for 200 apartments.
This property, known as DC Heights, is located on 5 acres on the southwest corner of California Street and Commonwealth Avenue. Gardner will build one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments in buildings of varying heights of two to four stories.
Mayor Jay Tibshraeny said he believes the project will begin soon.
“We’re excited for the new DC Heights project that will break ground soon in our downtown,” Tibshraeny said. “This
development adds new residential options for those looking to live in an area that is becoming increasingly urban with a real energetic feel. The increased pedestrian density will be a very good thing for the future of the city core.”
The developer does not have to pay property taxes for eight years per the Government Property Lease Excise Tax, a state law that gives tax incentives to encourage property development.
“We, the city, will own the land for eight years and lease it back to them,” said Kim Moyers, downtown redevelopment director.
Reducing the taxes helps encourage the development downtown, Moyers added. Without that incentive, “encouraging the redevelopment of that area would be
Former Perry High School basketball standout Markus Howard was part of Team USA’s 16 and under roster that captured the gold medal in June at the International Basketball Federation Americas Championship in Argentina. Submitted photo
has turned his focus to playing in the summer for a Nevada club team, The Las Vegas Prospects. “Markus will be heading out to South Carolina to play in the Nike Peach Jam, the Elite Youth Basketball League’s (EYBL) biggest event of the year,” said Noemi. When school begins in the fall, Markus will continue to showcase his talents for college coaches.
“My goal is to earn a basketball scholarship to a great university,” Markus said. Markus is well on his way to that goal, receiving offers to play at the University of Arizona, ASU and several others. (See accompanying sidebar.)
Over his final two high school years, Markus will also have an opportunity to earn a spot on Team USA’s 17 and 18 under squads.
“I think I have a good chance to make the
team. I try out again in October,” Markus said.
Miles Simon, Team USA 16 and under assistant coach, said: “Markus was a tremendous kid and talent to coach; he has great work ethic and drive, an aggressive mentality, with intensity and maturity.”
Markus, the “National Alliance of African American Athletes” NAAA 2015 StudentAthlete Sophomore of the Year, makes no secret of his ultimate dream. “I want to play at the NBA level,” he said.
Simon indicated it is far too early to project Markus’ possible NBA future, but recognized Markus’s talent and potential.
“Markus is going to be a great college player; he wants to compete and get better each day,” Simon said.
Tim J. Randall is a freelancer for the SanTan Sun News. He can be reached at news@santansun.com.
SCOUTING REPORT
Markus Howard has received a slew of scholarship offers. Below is a list of colleges interested in Markus’ talents. He has not committed to a university yet.
• NAU
• ASU
• University of Arizona
• UNLV
• Texas Tech
• Memphis University
• Indiana University
• Marquette University
• USC
• The University of Utah
• UCLA
• Baylor University
• University of Nebraska
• San Diego State
• Wichita State
VICTORY
Markus Howard. Submitted photo
teaching. Sixteen of those years have been spent at Hamilton High School.
“Being at that school really did provide so many extraordinary opportunities for me in leadership,” Carr said.
The right thing to do
Education is a gratifying profession for Carr, and Kimble could tell that upon meeting her.
“She (Carr) does it because it’s the right thing to do,” Kimble said. “Her ability to inspire people was evident in hearing the students talk about her.”
Heading into the 2015-2016 school year, Carr said she anticipates this as her last year teaching full-time.
“I will never stop being a teacher, because I love it too much, and I love the kids. Being in the classroom is what gives me hope for the future.”
Also honored
In addition to Carr’s Teacher of the Year award, Kimble said Dan Serrano, principal at Perry High School, was named Administrator of the Year, and Darlene Healy of Payne Junior High School was named Support Staff Employee of the Year.
The Administrator of the Year is awarded to an official who fosters cooperation between school and community, while at the same time, encouraging team spirit and keeping up-to-date in the field of education. Kimble shared some of the comments that were outlined in the nomination form about Serrano.
“With Serrano at the helm, Perry has been recognized by U.S. News and World Report as one of the ‘Best High Schools in America.’ Perry has also been awarded the A+ designation by the Arizona Education Foundation. Under Serrano’s leadership Perry High School became the first school in Arizona to offer a STEM Diploma. Serrano’s vision for Perry has always been student centered, visible on campus interacting daily
with the students. He guides and offers instruction to teachers to work on school improvement plans that will better the school, the teachers themselves, but mainly the students. His son, Tanner Serrano, has watched dad in the role of ‘principal’ for many years. Tanner said one word best describes his dad. That word is, ‘genuine.’”
The Support Staff Employee of the Year is designated for noncertified staff members from the Chandler Unified School District who go beyond the call of duty.
Healy works with students with disabilities and in general classrooms.
Her colleagues wrote, “She has a warm, cheerful, attitude with everyone she meets and is willing to help in any way. She volunteered her time to the Panther Pal Club, a club for students with disabilities, designing T-shirts, collecting box tops, and participated in the Special Olympics Unified Sports program to heighten awareness about these children in need.
“(Darlene) is a good friend to all of them in the classroom and many of them remarked that they will miss her when they advance to high school. She also volunteered on the weekends assisting them in various activities and created a game for the Spring Festival so that Panther Pals could raise money. She loves people, works hard and tries to leave everyone with a smile. These characteristics represent all that is good with CUSD.”
Kimble said, “I think it’s important to point out that whether you’re in a support staff position, or actually in a classroom with students, or in an administrative level, all three of those components are important to help make up a healthy community.”
Tracy House is a freelancer for SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at news@santansun.com.
Phyllis Carr was chosen as the Chandler Chamber of Commerce Teacher of the Year. Carr, a Hamilton High School English teacher, is beginning her 20th year teaching. Submitted photo
NOT IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD
No opportunity, no crime
BY CMDR. GREGG JACQUIN
The City of Chandler enjoyed another landmark year in the low number of crimes and a low crime rate, as determined by our crime reporting in 2014. It could have been even better with your help.
Here comes the question I want to ask you, especially if you live in South Chandler and the San Tan Valley: “Have I created an opportunity for a burglar or thief to steal something from my house or car?” Sounds strange, but many of the crimes in our neighborhoods are simply preventable.
Now that I have your attention, let me start by saying the Chandler Police Department will remain vigilant in your neighborhood and do all we can to make your neighborhood safer and prevent crime.
2015, 74 percent of the burglaries reported to the police had no forced entry. That means nearly all may have been preventable, because the bad guys simply walked into a garage, opened a car door or picked something up from your yard and
Burglary and theft remain crimes of opportunity and the fact is that we can lessen the opportunity. Simply shutting the garage door or keeping an eye out when it is open removes most chances that an “opportunity” will exist for someone to grab the tools, golf clubs, toys or bike sitting in the garage. Likewise, do you have valuables sitting on the seat of your car, unlocked on the street or in the driveway? Is the door from the garage leading into the house locked? And what about the sliding back door and doggie door in the backyard?
Agreements pave way for road, hotel improvements
The Chandler City Council approved agreements with the Crowne Plaza San Marcos Golf Resort to grant the City a rightof-way for improvements to Dakota Street and San Marcos Place.
That agreement was one of six agenda items approved on Monday, July 6.
The council acted on the following items:
• Approved an agreement with San Marcos Hotel, which grants the City a right-of-way so that improvements can be completed on Dakota Street and San Marcos Place. As part of compensation to the hotel, the City will construct a landscaped area on the City’s right-of-way located along San Marcos Place in front of the hotel for outdoor seating.
• Approved an agreement with the hotel to release a public easement the City had on property containing a City waterline serving the hotel property. The waterline’s ownership was transferred to the hotel, as the hotel has built structures and completed other site improvements on the easement.
• Tentatively adopted an ordinance allowing an exchange of property with the Crowne Plaza San Marcos Golf Resort that will provide the hotel with property needed to construct a second entry to a new downstairs restaurant. In return, the hotel will provide the City with property it owns on the south side of Chandler Boulevard,
west of Hartford Street, needed for public roadway improvements.
• Approved a development agreement with DC Land, developers of a mixed-use residential and commercial development called DC Heights, to be located on a 5.5-acre parcel in downtown Chandler at the southwest corner of Commonwealth Avenue and California Street.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:11 p.m. Council meetings are aired live, as well as replayed on The Chandler Channel, Cable Channel 11, and streamed on the Web at www.chandleraz.gov/video.
Note: These are not official meeting minutes of the City Council but rather a brief recap of the Council’s actions provided as a courtesy of the Chandler Communications and Public Affairs Department.
The City Clerk’s office posts official meeting results the morning following Council meetings. For a complete list of actions taken, visit www.chandleraz.gov/ agendas. Throughout the agenda, items are posted in red to signify any changes made at the meeting, and who voted no, or abstained.
For past City Council meeting minutes visit www.chandleraz.gov, or contact the City Clerk’s office at (480) 782-2180. For any other information, contact the Communications and Public Affairs Department at (480) 7822000.
City retires its oldest drinking water well
But we need your help.
When looking at the problem of burglaries, we find some very interesting facts about why thieves may be tempted, and why they ultimately get away with a crime. By far, most of our burglaries are of residential, as opposed to commercial, properties. There appears to be an even split between daytime and nighttime occurrences. What is troubling is the fact that many of these crimes appear to be preventable. An encouraging point is that you can make a difference. Opportunity, opportunity, opportunity. In the first quarter of
The most important ingredient to the solution is you and your neighbors. You will hear me say over and over: Make the business of your neighborhood the business of our partnership. Your eyes and ears are the best tool we have. Lock it or lose it.
The Chandler Police Department’s nonemergency number is (480) 7824000. If there’s an emergency, always dial 9-1-1.
When the Erie Well first began pumping water, Harry S. Truman was president, Ralph Brown was Chandler’s mayor and the city’s population was approximately 3,300.
The drinking water well, the oldest one operated by the City, recently was abandoned and “retired” after helping quench Chandler’s thirst for more than 60 years.
The pump atop the well was removed from its casing recently, marking one of the final steps in the abandonment of the well site.
Located on Erie Street behind historic Chandler High School, Erie Well had been one of nearly 30 potable wells in operation throughout the City.
It began pumping water in January 1948. During its lifetime, the well supplied an
The well was abandoned because sand had begun mixing with the water, and rehabilitating the well was not economically feasible.
One upside to the well’s departure noted by city officials is that the land where the well now sits will be incorporated into a small neighborhood park located next to the
Workers prepare the Erie Well for abandonment. City officials estimated that the well supplied approximately 9.2 billion gallons of water since it began operations in 1948. Submitted photo
Queen Creek and Cooper Road improvements to be discussed
The widening of Queen Creek Road between McQueen and Gilberts roads and of Cooper Road between Queen Creek Road and Nightingale Lane will be discussed at a public meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 22, in the Cotton Room at the Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., in Chandler.
The City is seeking public comment on possible alignments for the widened roadway. The project calls for Queen Creek Road to be improved to six traffic lanes and Cooper Road to four traffic lanes. The proposed improvements will include raised medians, bike lanes, turn lanes, sidewalks, curbs, gutters, storm drains, street lighting, traffic signals, landscaping, irrigation and utility relocations.
The two proposed roadway alignments will be on display at the meeting and project team members will be available to answer questions.
The alignments also can be viewed on the City’s website by visiting the
Transportation Projects Web page at www.chandleraz.gov/transportation and clicking on the Road Construction & Street Closures page. Information also is available by calling the project hotline at (480) 898-4060.
The project will be forwarded to City Council for construction approval upon completion of design. If approved for construction, the project is expected to commence in mid-to-late 2017.
McQueen Road to close for manhole replacement
A section of McQueen Road in South Chandler between Riggs Road and Hunt Highway will be closed through until 5 a.m. Monday, July 20.
The closure affects the section of McQueen between Westchester Drive on the north and Sunnydale Drive on the south, and is necessitated by a broken sewer manhole that needs to be replaced.
Detour signs will direct north/south traffic to a detour route along Arizona Avenue.
Nicantoni’s hosts car show
Nicantoni’s specializes in more than New York-style pizza. The fourth Friday of each month it hosts a car show with hot rods, classic cars, motorcycles and more.
The owners of Nicantoni’s just ask that participants bring their appetite for pizza and cold beer.
Nicantoni’s Pizza is located at 1430 W. Warner Rd. (northeast corner of Warner and McQueen roads), Suite 136, Gilbert. For more information, call (480) 8922234 or visit its Facebook page at www. facebook.com/nicantonis.
One-of-a-kind exhibit at Chandler Fashion Center
A stirring and emotionally engaging exhibit exploring the Holocaust, the treatment of black people in Europe, and the domestic struggle for civil rights from the early 1910s to the 1950s will be on display at the Chandler Fashion Center throughout the month of July.
The exhibit, “Then They Came For Us...,” was developed by educators from the Chandler Unified School District, the East Valley Jewish Community Center and the City of Chandler, as a traveling exhibit for the Center for Holocaust Education & Human Dignity.
The exhibit is located inside the
mall near Macy’s department store and explores the surprising similarities, and differences, between the civil rights movement, the Holocaust and Europe’s treatment of black people during the first half of the last century.
Display panels tell the stories of the three historic events using a series of images and text that include artifacts and photographs. It was unveiled earlier this year during Chandler’s annual Celebration of Unity, and was on display at Chandler’s main downtown library where docents guided school groups and visitors through the exhibit.
“Then They Came for Us...,” an exhibit depicting the similarities of the civil rights movement, the Holocaust and Europe’s treatment of blacks, is on display through July 31 at the Chandler Fashion Square. Submitted photo
EVENTS
JULY
18 Operation Back To School Chandler, Chandler High School
22 Public Meeting: Queen Creek Road Improvements, 745 E. Germann Road
25 Verano Sano (Safe Summer), Arrowhead Pool
AUGUST
1 Registration for fall Recreation classes begins for residents
7 Registration for fall Recreation classes begins for nonresidents
10 Council Study Session and Regular Meeting, Council Chambers
13 City Council Meeting, Council Chambers
21 Chandler Art Walk, Downtown Chandler
25 Special Election, chandleraz.gov/elections
Elección Especial para el 25 de agosto 2015
For event details, visit chandleraz.gov or call the Chandler Special Events Hotline at 480-782-2735.
Get Reel Documentary Film Series
Downtown Chandler Public Library, 22 S. Delaware Street
July 21, The Storm Makers
July 28, Beats of the Antonov Aug. 4, Neuland Aug. 11, Point and Shoot
6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Free.
Presented by POV (Point of View) on PBS chandlerlibrary.org 480-782-2800
Draining or backwashing your pool the right way!
Are you ready to do some maintenance work on your pool? Before you start pumping out the water, make sure that you’re meeting the City’s pool draining requirements.
Discharged water from swimming pools and spas may consist of chemicals and pollutants such as chlorine, bromine, algaecides, biocides, oils, bacteria and sediment that may be harmful to the environment. That is why it is important to remember that if you’re discharging water from your swimming pool or spa, the City requires you to maintain that water on private property, or to dispose of it into the sanitary sewer clean-out usually located in the front yard of your home.
In Chandler, the stormwater drainage system is completely separate from the sanitary sewer system that is connected to our homes and businesses. The sanitary sewer system delivers wastewater from our sinks, showers, toilets, washing machines, etc., to a wastewater treatment facility where the wastewater is treated and reused for landscape irrigation or recharged into the ground for future use. Whereas, street runoff collected in storm drains does not receive any treatment before it is discharged directly into the nearest retention basin, greenbelt area, park, playground or community lake within your neighborhood.
Backwashing or draining a pool into a City street, storm drain, alley or oth-
On the House 2015
Free Summer Concert Series
Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave.
er City right of way is prohibited by City code. Call 480-782-3503 to report a pool water discharge entering the street or storm drain system. Visit chandleraz.gov and search “pool drainage” for more information on how to properly drain your pool or spa. Remember, “Only Rain in the Storm Drain!”
Helpful hints:
✔ The City does not have a record of where your sewer clean-out is located. If you are unsure of where your clean-out is located, contact a plumber for assistance.
✔ Older homes may only have one clean-out pipe.
✔ Newer homes may have two cleanout pipes. Use the pipe closest to the home.
✔ Using a clean-out in the wall is risky and the potential for water backing up is increased.
✔ Pools with saltwater filtration systems contain higher concentrations of salt that may be damaging to some plants and soils.
✔ Remember to move the drain hose frequently to minimize standing water that may attract mosquitoes.
✔ Avoid draining or backwashing a pool or spa onto areas of your yard that may encourage erosion or create a nuisance to adjacent properties.
July 31, Come Back Buddy Aug. 14, Sugar Thieves Aug. 21, Tres Guitarras
Aug. 28, Ritmo Latino Sept. 12, Plugged In
No tickets required, all shows are free. All seating is first come, first served.
Suggested Donations: $5/child, $10/adult, $15/family.
Presented by Intel | chandlercenter.org | 480-782-2680
Responsibility for Mosquito Control
Get tips from Maricopa County’s Vector Control on what you can do to eliminate and prevent mosquito breeding on your property at maricopa.gov/EnvSvc/VectorControl.
City, CUSD partnership produces safer classrooms, prepares students for emergencies
Chandler first- and second-graders can feel confident that Chandler Unified School District elementary schools are safer thanks to a partnership between the district and the Chandler Fire, Health & Medical (CFHM) Department.
The CFHM Partnership for L.I.F.E. program – L.I.F.E. stands for Learning In Firesafe Environments – is a successful collaboration that involves teachers and custodians in the safety inspection process and targets first- and second-grade students for fire safety instruction. CFHM Fire Pals – a group of firefighters trained to educate students in fire safety –teach students these important lessons: Home Escape, Crawl Low Under Smoke, When Clothes are on Fire, Smoke Alarms, Match and Lighter Safety, and the 911 System. Since it was first introduced two years ago, the program has developed widespread support from school staff and produced dramatic increases in fire safety test scores.
To participate in Partnership for L.I.F.E., administrators have to commit their schools to completing five program requirements. First, the school must allow CFHM Fire Pals to conduct two hours of classroom instruction for students. Second, teachers and custodians must conduct two self-inspections during the school year. Third, the school must conduct two fire drills supervised by an on-duty CFHM crew. Fourth, at least 10 percent of a school’s teaching staff must be certified in Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) by the end of the school year. The fifth and final requirement is to pass an annual inspection conducted by CFHM Fire Prevention staff. Schools that successfully complete all requirements earn a Partnership for L.I.F.E. certification decal to display for their students, parents and visitors.
For more information about the Partnership for L.I.F.E. program, visit the Chandler Newsroom at chandleraz.gov/news.
RIGHT WRONG
Red Cross seeks blood donations to offset seasonal decline
The American Red Cross urges eligible donors to help offset a seasonal decline in donations and prevent a shortage this summer by giving blood.
During June, July and August, there are about two fewer donors than needed at each Red Cross blood drive. This can add up to more than 100,000 fewer donations during the summer. Many schools that host blood drives are out of session, and vacation schedules can make regular donors less available—both contributing to the seasonal decline.
Donors of all blood types— especially those with types AB, O negative, A negative and B negative—are needed to help ensure blood products are available to hospital patients this summer. Type AB donors have the universal plasma type, which can be given to patients of all blood types. Plasma helps maintain blood pressure and supplies critical proteins for clotting immunity. It is often needed for burn, trauma and cancer patients.
1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Chandler residents can schedule to donate at the following locations and on the following dates: Hilton Phoenix Chandler, 2929 W. Frye Rd., 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Sunday, July 19,; VFW Post 7401, 751 S. Arizona Ave., 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Sunday, July 19,; Walgreens, 1985 E. Chandler Blvd., 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday, July 21,; ChandlerGilbert Family YMCA, 1655 W. Frye Rd., 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday, July 29, and Harley Davidson, 6895 W, Chandler Blvd., 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 1.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients.
High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Donors can win a car from United Blood Services
To make an appointment to give blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit www.redcrossblood.org or call
A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood.
Sun Lakes Democrats host Terry Goddard
The Sun Lakes Democratic Club will host Terry Goddard as a guest speaker at 7 p.m. Monday, Aug 10, in the Navajo Room at Sun Lakes Country Club, 25601 Sun Lakes Blvd.
Born and raised in Tucson, Goddard earned a law degree from ASU in 1976 after serving an active duty tour in the U.S. Navy. Goddard then worked as a private attorney in the Attorney General’s office.
In 1984, Goddard was elected mayor of Phoenix and served for six years. From 1995 to 2002, he was director of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Goddard then ran and was elected attorney general and then reelected in 2006 with 60 percent of the votes.
Goddard was the Democratic candidate for secretary of state in 2014. Goddard currently leads a campaign against dark money in elections. Goddard will explain
the progress of his campaign and discuss how residents can get involved.
At all club meetings, nonperishable food items are collected for the Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank. Collections take place in the west parking lot from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. There is also a collection box at the north entrance of the Sun Lakes Sunset Grill lobby.
Thanks to generosity of local Democrats and meeting attendees, 1,880 pounds of food and $170 was collected in 2014.
Through June, the club collected 1,202 pounds of food and $160.
Everyone is welcome at Sun Lakes Democratic Club meetings which are always on the second Monday of each month. Refreshments are served.
For more information call Tom Amrhein at (480) 895-1162.
United Blood Services donors who give blood until Aug. 31 are being automatically entered to win a 2015 VW Golf donated by Valley Volkswagen dealers.
Ten summer blood donors will be drawn as finalists to participate in the grand prize drawing.
For a blood donation appointment,
call (877) UBS-HERO (827-4376) or visit www.BloodHero.com (enter your city or ZIP code). Locations are detailed below. All blood types are needed, however, Type O-negative is always in greatest demand.
Chandler sites include EDMC South University, 2200 E. Germann Rd.; 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday, July 28; Microchip Technology, 2355 W. Chandler Blvd., 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday, July 29; Academy Mortgage, 1750 E. Northrop Blvd., 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Friday, July 31, and Clearcall Solutions, 2150 E. Germann Rd., Ste. 1, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday, July 31.
DEADLINES FOR SANTAN SUN NEWS: JULY 23
The deadline for news and advertising is 12 p.m. Thursday, July 23, for the Saturday, August 1, issue of the SanTan Sun News. All news must be submitted to News@SanTanSun.com by that day to be considered for the next issue or by filling in the “submit a news release” form on the newspaper’s website at www.SanTanSun.com. To send an item for consideration in the SanTan Family Fun, email it directly to STFF@ SanTanSun.com. Send advertising files and information to account reps or contact Ads@SanTanSun.com. For deadline information, visit SanTanSun.com and click on “About us” or call (480) 732-0250 for advertising rate details.
The American Red Cross urges donors of all blood types to donate during the summer. Submitted photo
The ‘voice of God’ Chandler resident uses his vocal power to bring energy to
BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI
Arizona Diamondbacks public address announcer Chuck Drago has been called “The Voice of God.”
The Chandler resident’s enthusiastic delivery emanates throughout Chase Field each time he introduces a Diamondbacks player. After 10 years with the ball team, he still gets butterflies with every game.
“It’s from excitement,” said Drago, during an interview in the Diamondbacks’ dugout before batting practice was set to begin. “When the team takes the field, it’s just a lovely moment. The game’s starting and the fans are getting crazy at that point.”
Between D-backs and ASU games, Drago figures he’s approaching 900 games announced. Not bad for a guy who merely answered an ad in the newspaper for the MLB team’s position.
“I had zero experience,” he said fashioning his hand into the shape of a circle. “People always said I had a good voice. I always wanted to do something in broadcasting.”
His dream was temporarily postponed when his father, with whom he ran a family business, fell ill. Everything turned out fine, but Drago pursued a business management degree instead.
“After that, I saw an ad in the paper for the D-backs,” he said. “Jeff Munn was moving to the broadcast booth. I
had one semester of broadcasting in college. I sent in a resume and audio of my voice. There were a few hundred other people who did the same thing.”
The pool of candidates went from 50 to two, one of whom was Drago. He and the other applicant were chosen to announce a Spring Training game in the baseball team’s former preseason home in Tucson. The D-backs chose Drago.
“The season before, I was sitting in the leftfield bleachers with a beer and a hot dog,” he said. “Next game, I’m announcing. I went from the stands to the booth.”
During his 10 years with the Diamondbacks, Drago has learned not to take himself too seriously.
Chase Field
“I tend to be a perfectionist and I get really upset when I make mistakes,” Drago said
matter-of-factly “My boss said it’s OK. I’ve learned to move on from my mistakes. Everybody makes mistakes.”
He notes that one of his flubs was when he called Josh Harrison of the Pittsburgh Pirates by the incorrect first name for two innings. He had flipflopped his first name with the next player in the lineup.
“I’ve never done that before,” he said. “I was jabbed and razzed for that.”
Some of the D-backs’ names just beg to be exaggerated by Drago. There’s All-Star first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, and former relief pitcher-turnedbaseball executive J.J. Putz.
“J.J. Putz was one of my favorites,” he said. “When I was in the front office, I’d get to see him. I would announce him as he’s walking down the halls. He was just a fun name to say.
“I used to like Gerardo Parra. Now we have the longest name in baseball— Jarrod Saltalamacchia. That’s the coolest
name to say. I could drag that name if I wanted to for a minute and a half. All the players are fun guys. I think they appreciate the way I pronounce their names. I haven’t gotten any complaints from the team.”
Drago has fun with the names because he’s a fan. He takes cue from boxing announcers in Las Vegas, where he grew up.
“We don’t have pro sports there,” he said. “The pro sport we have is boxing. I guess I pattern myself after the overthe-top boxing announcers. You hear that a lot. Luckily sometimes when you interview for this job, when people are looking for a voice—commercial or movie—they have something in their head that they want. I guess I had it.”
Christina Fuoco-Karasinski is the executive editor of the San Tan Sun News. She can be reached at christina@ santansun.com.
A Chandler resident, Chuck Drago brings enthusiasm to Chase Field as the Arizona Diamondbacks’ public address announcer. STSN photo by Kimberly Carrillo
more difficult,” Moyers said.
Dakota Street would be extended and allow it to be used as a bypass for the downtown area. “What makes it nice for DC Heights residents and drivers who want to access Arizona Avenue can do so when Arizona Avenue is closed for a festival,” Moyers said.
Dakota Street stops at the north and south ends of the property.
Under the agreement, the City will reimburse the developer $601,967 for the Dakota Street improvements.
A skybridge will connect the buildings over Dakota Street and a third-floor swimming pool will be built on the property.
The council met in a closed session in late June to discuss the City’s position regarding development agreements for Sites 1-6 in downtown Chandler. Those discussions yielded optimism that the City could reach an agreement on DC Heights for sites 4 and 5.
“We hope to break ground in late ’15 or the first quarter of 2016,” Moyers said. Construction is expected to last 18 months.
“The development will add to the urban feel of downtown,” Moyers said. Pedestrians can walk from one business to another, or will be able to access them from apartments easily. Employees who work downtown have another option on a place to live.
City officials aren’t the only ones looking forward to downtown’s redevelopment. “The downtown business community is very excited,” Moyers said. “It improves the walkability of the ‘livework-play’ environment of downtown.
“It’s always nice when your businesses support the redevelopment.”
Developer Thomas Gardner could not be reached for comment.
Other sites discussed
At the closed session, the council also considered its position on negotiations for the sale or lease of City-owned property west of the southwest corner of Arizona Avenue and Chandler Boulevard for developers to build Alamo Drafthouse Cinema.
Councilmembers also discussed the sale or lease of City-owned property on the northwest corner of Chicago Street and Arizona Avenue, also known as Site 6. That site is proposed to become an office complex with 150,000 to 180,000 square feet. Currently downtown has 273,000 square feet of office space, Moyers said.
“We have a very low vacancy rate or about 3 or 4 percent,” Moyers said. “Businesses are interested, but we just don’t have the space for them. It will add to the space that is available and add to the growth downtown.”
The council can meet in closed session under state law to discuss legal matters or personnel issues. Votes on these matters must be done so at a public meeting.
Moyers commended the council for doing what she called “an amazing job creating an environment for developers to come in and build offices on site 6.” She expected that the council may approve an agreement by late summer or early fall.
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, expected to be constructed as part of a new development on the southwest corner of Arizona Avenue and Chandler Boulevard, is part of the sites 1, 2 and 3. The cinema, an eight-screen dine-in movie theater, bar and restaurant, created a lot of buzz last year when the Texas-based company announced it was opening its first Arizona location in Chandler. It would be part of a new mixed-use project called The Row.
“They continue to modify the mix and are pinpointing what they want to put in there,” Moyers said.
Moyers expected the council may act on an agreement later this summer, but the city is waiting for a consultant’s report on the geofill dirt on whether it is compacted enough to build on. “It is strictly an infill issue,” Moyers said. “We’re waiting for a final report. They are checking on how compacted it is.”
According to the company’s website, Alamo Drafthouse Chandler will feature eight screens of new releases and classic movies with seating for 825 moviegoers. The cinema company operates 19 locations in Colorado and Texas.
Vintage Partners, the site’s developers, have not returned phone calls or emails for comment. Alamo Drafthouse remains committed to the site, according to its company website.
Moyers was asked if it was possible that contractors could break ground on all three sites this year. “Wouldn’t that be wonderful?” she asked. “We have that potential. We’re confident and we’re working with developers in a positive manner to break ground as quickly as possible.”
Ken Abramczyk is an associate editor at the SanTan Sun News. He can be reached at ken@santansun.com.
Free pool party at Arrowhead Pool
Chandler’s Arrowhead Pool will host a free pool party called Verano Sano (Safe Summer) from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, July 25. The pool is located at 1475 W. Erie St.
Verano Sano is a Valleywide campaign that hosts free pool parties to promote water safety. The City’s Aquatics Division is working with Radio La Campesina and Salt River Project (SRP) to bring the event to Chandler. A free event, Verano Sano will raffle off free swim lessons.
Chandler Fire, Health & Medical will
have a fire engine on site and provide CPR demonstrations and a presentation on the importance of life jackets. Swim instructors will perform demonstrations and provide instruction.
In addition, the Drowning Prevention Coalition of Arizona, SRP, Radio La Campesina, Azteca, Courtesy Chevrolet and Chandler Fire, Health & Medical will have information booths and water safety information.
For more information, contact Chandler Aquatics at (480) 782-2750.
Medical centers seek applicants for grants
Dignity Health Chandler Regional and Mercy Gilbert medical centers are seeking applicants for the 2015 Community Grants Program, which are awarded to nonprofit organizations working collaboratively to improve the well-being of underserved populations.
The deadline to submit a letter of intent for a grant is July 20 and the final grant application is due by Sept. 7. Visit www.dignityhealth.org/communitygrants for information.
The grants are provided to “communities of care” projects which consist of at least three organizations which are working together to address a health priority.
“We cannot change the world by ourselves,” said Kathleen Dowler, director of community integration with Chandler Regional and Mercy Gilbert medical centers. “Partnering with others who share our vision and values is the only way to improve the health of our community.
Applicant programs will be evaluated for alignment with Dignity Health’s mission and community benefit principles which include serving the disenfranchised with unmet health needs, primary prevention, seamless continuum of care, capacity building and collaborative governance. In addition, applicants must define the population to be served and the outcome to be achieved.
Dignity Health’s Community Grants Program is funded by contributions from its member hospitals. Typically, grants range from $10,000 to $75,000.
Through a community needs assessment, Dignity Health in the East Valley has identified the following as key health priorities: chronic disease (for example: diabetes, heart disease, stroke, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma), also including individuals with multiple chronic conditions or comorbidities, mental health and obesity.
Follow these tips to stay safe this school year
BY KELSEY DEGIDEO
As the Chandler Unified School District approaches the first day of school, the Chandler Police Department advises students, parents and drivers to pay special attention to procedures and safety tips.
The 2015-16 school year begins July 20 and continues through the end of May.
To ensure the safety of students, parents and the rest of the community, the CPD will place patrol units in school zones and parking lots.
“Officers will be present throughout the school year, but especially in the first couple weeks that school is back in session,” said CPD detective Seth Tyler.
“In Chandler, since we have open enrollment, we like to brief new parents who may be driving their children to school from across town,” Tyler said.
The patrol units will educate the public about traffic flow effectiveness through school zones and about proper use of parking lots entrances and exits.
“Officers will be reminding parents of school zone rules and parking recommendations,” Tyler said.
They will teach overall awareness in students who are walking to school and patience with morning commuters. Tyler urged students to familiarize themselves with walking routes before classes begin. Families should rehearse the walking route with their children to help them remember the street names
they will be utilizing. “A good idea for parents is to drive the walking route with your child and point out the streets they are taking on their way to school,” Tyler said.
“We recommend that the students take the same route each day and that they know the names of the streets they are taking in case of an emergency,” Tyler said.
The CPD encourages and reminds students to keep their cellphones in their pockets and backpacks. “One thing you see a lot in society, in public, is people looking down at their cell phones and not paying attention,” Tyler said. Having all senses engaged, while walking to and from school, is always safer.
In addition to having a designated walking route and an increased awareness, students are advised to never walk alone.
“We highly recommend that you have your child walk to school with another child, no matter the age of the student,” Tyler said.
For the morning and afternoon drivers, school zone speed limits will be strongly enforced this year by safety patrol units. Speeding will not be tolerated in the areas where students will be crossing and commuting to school, before and after school hours. Violating school zones procedures, by speeding, “is a highly enforced and very expensive ticket,” Tyler said.
“To all of the people driving to work,
while school buses are running, we want to remind you that the school buses are carrying very special cargo and that drivers need to be patient and follow the traffic laws,” Tyler added.
Drivers must plan ahead and be patient with the increase in traffic and school buses. “We’re asking for people to be patient in the morning and to possibly leave five minutes earlier than you usually would,” Tyler said.
Drivers should be extra cautious, as the students who will be crossing streets and exiting buses expect that drivers
are following the designated rules for stopping and slowing.
In response to district complaints about parking efficiency for before and after school hours, “officers will be reminding drivers of proper school zone rules and parking recommendations,” Tyler said.
Kelsey DeGideo is a student at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at ASU. She can be reached at news@santansun.com.
EXPERIENCE Makes a Difference
Serrano’s, San Marcos offer staycation package
BY TRACY HOUSE
Two downtown Chandler landmarks— Serrano’s Mexican Restaurant and the Crowne Plaza San Marcos Resort—have come together to offer a summer staycation package.
The oldest continuous business in Chandler, Serrano’s has been downtown for 36 years. A family-owned and -operated business since 1919, Serrano’s is run by a third generation.
The San Marcos Resort opened in 1912 as a popular destination for the elite. The resort is now a renowned landmark gracing downtown Chandler and the surrounding area with 249 guest rooms and 18-hole championship golf course.
The partnership of these notable establishments has resulted in an exclusive package on Saturday, Aug. 8, that features dinner at the Mexican restaurant and a night at the resort. The cost for the complete staycation package is $225 per couple, or $75 per person for dinner only. Reservations and payment can be made by calling Janet Thebarge, Serrano’s sales manager, at (602) 510-5403. Check-in time is 3 p.m. and check-out time is 11 a.m.
Serrano’s is serving an exclusive six-course dinner with tequila pairings and the accompaniments of strolling musician Salvador Ojeda in the banquet room, according to Thebarge. It is reserved for only 40 guests.
“We’re just going to take them on a little tour of Mexico, explaining
the music, tequila and the menu, and everything as we go along,” Thebarge said. “We plan on taking the slow boat. We want to savor the evening. We don’t want to rush through this. We want it to be a nice, slow evening and very romantic, candlelit dinner.”
The evening’s menu includes shrimp and scallop ceviche; butternut, apple soup garnished with chili lime pepitas; butter lettuce, orange and avocado salad with citrus vinaigrette; lemon sorbet palate refresher; Mexican spice-rubbed ribeye steak with stuffed poblano chili and homemade tortillas; and raspberry and mango Tres Leche cake.
“Staycations have become the thing,” Thebarge said. “You hear about it all the time. I wanted to show that Serrano’s is more than just what we offer on the menu on an everyday occasion.”
Head Chef Lorraine Serrano worked with Thebarge to develop the menu. Throughout the evening Thebarge will discuss the menu and pairings. “It is totally specific to that night. There is nothing on the menu that is on the regular menu. It is so authentic.”
Marquis Rust, director of sales and marketing at San Marcos Resort, said the hotel is providing transportation to and from the restaurant and accommodations in one of the newly renovated guest rooms. Breakfast will be served the following morning in AJ’s Café.
“Accommodations will be one of our
one-bedroom king guest rooms,” Rust said
Guests can utilize all of the amenities, including the pool, courtyard, bar and golf course, for a fee.
“We see it as a great partnership within the local community to extend the services that we offer together to create a memorable evening for the guests,” Rust said. “We’d love to do a series with Serrano’s.”
Thebarge agreed. This is the first package of its kind for Serrano’s.
“It’s something to look forward to
in August,” Thebarge said. “To have a wonderful overnight stay. Just have an incredible evening with your significant other.”
Serrano’s Mexican Restaurant is located at 141 S. Arizona Ave. The Crowne Plaza San Marcos Resort is at One San Marcos Pl., both in downtown Chandler and within walking distance.
Tracy House is a freelancer for SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at news@ santansun.com.
Dine at Serrano’s Mexican Restaurant and stay at the Crowne Plaza San Marcos Resort for an exclusive staycation package offered only one night this summer. Submitted photo