July 5 - 18, 2014 www.SanTanSun.com
Firefi ghters help refurbish Salvation Army center
BY TRACY HOUSE
When the Chandler Firefighters Charities sees a void in the community, there’s little that stops the group from making a difference.
The organization’s volunteers recently spent two mornings at the Salvation Army Community Center, 85 E. Saragosa St., in downtown Chandler sprucing up the buildings’ exterior, giving the center a new paint job.
Keith
Welch, Chandler Fire
Department public information officer, says a firefighter who sits on the Salvation Army board approached the charities about the much-needed facelift.
In the two days, 30 to 40 members helped out with the Salvation Army project. Firefighters worked before and after their shifts to get the painting finished. “The guys come out for an hour and a half, just to help out,” Welch says.
Chandler 202 breaks ground on new building
BY TRACY HOUSE
A new spec project at Ellis and Frye roads near the Price Road Corridor and Loop 101 and Loop 202 freeways broke ground on June 25.
In attendance for the occasion were Bill Woodruff, general manager for Kieckhefer Properties, James Murphy, president of Willmeng Construction Inc., City of Chandler Vice Mayor Rick Heumann, City of Chandler Councilmembers Kevin Hartke, Jack Sellers, Jeff Weninger and Nora Ellen, and Terri Kimble, president and CEO of Chandler Chamber of Commerce.
Kieckhefer Properties is the developer and owner of Chandler 202. Tenant improvement work will begin on Dec. 8, 2014, with substantial completion of shell, site and core on April 10, 2015.
Woodruff explains the company began developing the 40-acre site in 1999 with the installation of Benson Lane and Fairview Street and the construction of
Longesttenured administrator retires from CUSD
BY TRACY HOUSE
The Chandler Unified School District’s longest-tenured administrator retired after 42 years at the end of June. Melinda Romero started her teaching career with CUSD in 1972.
Romero has worn a lot of hats during her distinguished career: elementary teacher; grades third through sixth; math teacher at junior high and high school; starting the first self-contained gifted program for the district; spearheading the Instructional Resource Center (IRC) for the district; and executive director of professional development and instructional resources. She earned bachelor degrees in elementary education and mathematics and a master’s in education administration.
While working as a math specialist for the district, CUSD superintendent Dr. Camille Casteel asked Romero to
GROUND BREAKING: Members of the Chandler City Council joined Bill Woodruff, general manager for Kieckhefer Properties and James Murphy, president of Willmeng Construction Inc., for the ground breaking ceremony for Chandler 202 on June 25. STSN photo by Tracy House
three industrial buildings. It was then followed up with the second phase in 2004 by building three additional industrial buildings and a two-story office building. The third phase, consisting of two flex office/ industrial buildings, was completed in 2008. Chandler 202 located at 2525 W. Frye Rd., on the southwest corner of Ellis and Frye roads, is about a 140,000-square-foot, Class A office project. The three-
coordinate the IRC project. It became a labor of love.
“I’ve always believed that teachers make the difference in how students learn,” Romero says.
“To be able to support teachers with resources, whether the resources are
DCCP executive director steps down
BY TRACY HOUSE
For the last three years, Jennifer Lindley has been the executive director of the Downtown Chandler Community Partnership, bringing events to the downtown area and offering unique experiences to the community. But June 19 was her last day with DCCP.
Lindley says she’s “absolutely loved the people that I’ve met and the relationships that I’ve established here. I think one of my favorite perks, and pieces about the job, is that we’ve created a sense of community. We’ve been successful the past three years with the businesses we’ve had come down here, special events we’ve had, the stage along Arizona Avenue and some of the additional projects that are going to be announced very shortly.”
One of the projects Lindley worked on for the DCCP was getting a permanent stage for the downtown area to host more outdoor events. (See related story page 9.) “It would be a permanent structure. It looks like there wouldn’t be permanent seating, but the area which we’re looking at over by the library has a large grassy area, which would lend itself to a wonderful music venue, performance venue and place for people to come
SEE LINDLEY PAGE 9 SEE CHANDLER 202 PAGE 8
LENDING A HELPING HAND: Volunteers from Chandler Firefighter Charities helped paint the Salvation Army Center. The two-day task brought out 30 to 40 volunteers painting the exterior of the building. STSN photo by Tracy House
DEDICATED EDUCATOR: Melinda Romero retired from Chandler Unified School District in June after 42 years. The Instructional Resource Center, which she was instrumental in developing, has been named in her honor. Submitted photo
SEE MELINDA ROMERO
“The Chandler Dunn-Edwards donated over $1,000 in paint and supplies to help us out with this project,” Welch says. “They’ve been a good community partner for this project.”
Maj. Robert Deidrick of the Salvation Army explains that parts of the building had been deteriorating and were in need of refurbishing. “It is deeply appreciated,” Deidrick says. “This will save us thousands of dollars. We really deeply appreciate it.”
The Salvation Army serves the community, offering case management, a food pantry, help with rent and utilities (by appointment) and homeless services. There is a youth center that provides after-school programs; recreation and education programs for school-age children. A summer day camp is running, serving breakfast and lunch to the participants and offering recreational activities, including field trips. The center is also a hydration station from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday for anyone who is in need of a drink of water and a cool place to rest. The Salvation Army is a Christian organization, in existence since 1865, with worship services every Sunday.
This Salvation Army building is the former Winn School, according to Deidrick. The original schoolhouse, built in 1929, was a two-room brick building for grades first through third.
Deidrick extended a thank you to the Chandler Firefighter Charities and specifically to the community for its generosity. “They give so much, we are
Man impersonating Chandler police officer in phone scam
so blessed. We’re able to do what we’re doing because of the community. We can’t thank them enough.”
Chandler Firefighters Charities is a not-for-profit group. Firefighters in Chandler donate to the charities through their paychecks and the group accepts donations from the community to help with the needs they come across in the course of the job. Other projects have included building a ramp, donating money to people whose homes have burned, landscape needs and the cleaning of property.
“We do a lot of projects that just pop up,” Welch says. “And they use those funds to complete things that our guys see on calls, whether that’s a new A/C, stairs, repair, for some of the people we run on. We identify this person needs
something, can we use some funds from our funds and then we pitch in for the labor.”
Chandler Firefighters Charities is part of the backpack drive being held in the city. In addition, the group hosts an annual toy drive and is involved in Relay for Life and Leukemia/Lymphoma Society events.
Welch credits the chief with getting the word out and looking for ways to help out in the community.
For more information about the Chandler Fire Department and Chandler Firefighter Charities, visit www. chandleraz.gov/fire.
Tracy House is the news editor for the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at tracy@santansun.com.
The Chandler Police Department has learned a man is calling elderly members of the community and identifying himself as either a Chandler police officer or an officer of the Chandler City Court. He tells the victims that they have warrants out for their arrest for missing jury duty. The impersonator builds a false sense of credibility by confirming the victim’s name and address.
The victim is instructed to purchase a pre-paid credit card to clear the warrant. Then, the victim calls the impersonator back and provides the credit card access code. The victim is then advised that the warrant is cleared.
This is a phone scam. While the Chandler Police Department does have a unit of volunteers who makes calls to people with active Chandler arrest warrants, the volunteers do not collect payment over the phone. They instruct individuals with warrants to contact the Chandler Magistrate Court, either in person or by phone, to settle the warrant. Courts handle the payment of arrest warrants, not law enforcement agencies.
SEE POLICE IMPERSONATOR PAGE 5
OLD SCHOOL HOUSE: Formerly the Winn School built in 1929 for first through third graders, The Salvation Army Community Center at 85 E. Saragosa St., in downtown Chandler, gets a new look for the summer. The paint was donated by the Chandler Dunn-Edwards. STSN photo by Tracy House
materials or the research, and so the vision was to have a center that had all those things.”
Casteel says Romero brought the IRC vision to life “to have a center where teachers could work and collaborate and at the same time buy resources and place them in the library and maximize the utilization.”
CUSD is a special place for Romero. “Chandler is the greatest district there is. I think it’s the people. They have very caring people who care about educating students and meeting the needs of all students. And very thoughtful people who think about the whole child, and I like everyone, and I liked what I was doing. I enjoyed every bit of it.”
Romero is reluctant to talk about herself. She’s says it was the right time to retire. She’ll soon be a grandmother, times two; both her sons are expecting their first child in July. Her husband is retired and she mentions she has projects and some traveling she wants to do. She also says she’ll be doing some volunteer work.
“I’ll always have time for Chandler,” Romero says. “My grandchildren will probably go to Chandler schools. I’m very vested in the types of things that we do, how we teach and how we treat our families.”
CUSD welcomes new faces to administration
As the students file in for the first day of school, some will be greeted by a new face at the school gate.
Chandler Unified School District has announced its new administrators for 2014-2015 school year. Some have been with the district and are relocating, others are external hires.
Principals:
Ruth Michalscheck, Bologna Elementary
Sue Powell, Jacobson Elementary, from Higley Unified District
Lynn Weed, Knox Gifted Academy
Vanessa Whitlark, Navarrete Elementary, from J.O. Combs District
Sarah Stevens, Patterson Elementary
Caryn Cole, Sanborn Elementary
Jayson Phillips, ACP Oakland District administrators:
Wendy Nance, executive director of instruction and professional development
Sandy Lundberg, director of curriculum
Jeff Filloon, director of human resources
Her pride in CUSD is evident as she talks about the district and her four-decade involvement. She doesn’t take credit in the success of the CUSD though. “It’s about a whole community of learning. Not just one school or one person. But how everyone collaborates and works together. I think Chandler is one of the places that walks the walk.”
This is a bittersweet time for Casteel. “It won’t be the same without her.”
Casteel says in working with Romero she’s never known her to say no. “She’ll do whatever it takes on behalf of children and teachers. She’s brilliant truly, well-read. I
A delicate skill. Repairs in-house.
can’t even put into words. She will be so missed. I don’t think most people would know of the behind-the-scenes influence she had...She has made a tremendous mark and it will be felt for years to come in terms of academic progress and just commitment to children.”
Romero’s dedication was acknowledged with the naming of the IRC in her honor. “I think her loyalty, her work ethic and commitment to children is unprecedented,” Casteel explains. In addition to children, the impact she’s made on teachers is to be commended. Casteel mentions the highly trained staff, creating opportunities for teachers to earn their master degrees without leaving the district boundaries, and the grants and funds Romero’s brought in to further the effort of teacher training. “It’s not known by many people the amount of work and the contributions because she tends to be a quieter, behind the scenes kind of leader.”
Romero fondly talks about her experiences as a teacher and administrator. “I’ve had some great students, whether they were my K-12 students or whether they were the teachers. They probably taught me more than I taught them. I would just say I’ve really enjoyed the teachers who venture out of their comfort zone and try new approaches and constantly work to improve, because it’s really all about helping our students reach their full potential. We just have to always remember it’s students first.”
Tracy House is the news editor for the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at tracy@santansun.com.
CPD gathers Arizona team for Cops on Top hike
The Chandler Police Department coordinated Arizona’s 2014 Cops on Top hiking expedition gathering 177 members representing 22 different law enforcement and first responder agencies, the largest group in the nation. Cops on Top is a team of volunteers from the law enforcement, first responder and public service community that climbs the highest point in their state in honor of those heroes who lost their lives in the line of duty. This year, each state’s team ascended June 28 in memory of those who gave their lives in 2013. The Arizona Cops on Top team climbed the Grand Canyon state’s high point, Humphrey’s Peak in Flagstaff, with an elevation of 12,633 feet. Photos and details about Cops on Top are at www.copsontop.com.
The Chandler Police Department asks that anyone who receives or has received a similar phone call and has not reported it, to contact the Chandler Police Department at (480) 782-4130.
For more information, please contact Det. Seth Tyler at (480) 782-4105.
MELINDA
story office building will include a twostory atrium lobby. The flexible design can provide for a single user or multiple tenants. The building will have large 45,000 square-foot floorplates accessible by two elevators and three stairwells. In addition, the design for Chandler 202 will accommodate 5/1,000-square-foot parking ratios.
Chandler 202 is expected to bring in 700 to 1,000 jobs as the building takes on tenants. “Many company types would fit well in this Class A office building including, but not limited to, any type of corporate headquarters, various engineering, health care, education and technology companies,” Woodruff says.
The building is close to Chandler Fashion Center and Hilton Hotel as well as corporate neighbors GM, Intel, eBay, Infusionsoft, QBE Insurance, Bank of America and Wells Fargo.
Woodruff says building Chandler 202 is a “big risk in this market,” but refers to the fact that the overall market trend since the latest economic downturn has been for developers to wait until they have a tenant in hand prior to starting construction.
“We have a strong belief in the Price Road Corridor and the City of Chandler, and we believe there is a strong demand for this type of building here in Chandler,
and that while other submarkets may continue to struggle with vacancy, this submarket is ready for additional inventory of the high quality that Chandler 202 will provide,” Woodruff says.
Kieckhefer Properties has been in the Arizona real estate market since 1988 after more than 20 years of developing in Northern California. The marketing assignment for Chandler 202 was awarded to Cassidy Turley, a leading commercial
Constable Jones seeking re-election
Constable James Kevin Jones of the San Marcos Justice Precinct announced that he filed enough valid signatures to be placed on the ballot on Aug. 26. Jones is seeking re-election after serving 16 years as Chandler’s constable.
Jones started his law enforcement career after graduating from the police academy in 1992 when he was hired by Maricopa County as a deputy constable. In 1998, Jones was appointed by the
Maricopa County Board of Supervisors as constable of the Chandler Justice Court. In 1999 he was elected to serve his first full term as constable.
Since that time, Jones has served the public and has been involved in passing legislation for stricter training standards of constables in Arizona. He has also successfully initiated a warrants program that targets those who fail to pay some of the $96 million owed to Maricopa
County. To date this program has brought in $1,756,323.90 in less than two years.
A Chandler native, Jones is married and has four children, ages 24, 19, and two who are 14. He graduated from Chandler High School in 1983. He is continuing his education in criminal justice. He is a third-generation law enforcement officer. Combined, he and his family have served the City of Chandler and Maricopa County in law enforcement for almost 60 years.
real estate services provider with more than 4,000 professionals in more than 60 offices nationwide.
For more information about Chandler 202, contact Cassidy Turley Commercial Real Estate Services at www.cassidyturley. com or (602) 954-9000.
Tracy House is the news editor for the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at tracy@santansun.com.
Jones says he is well-qualified as constable and is dedicated to the Chandler community. He looks forward to continuing his service as the San Marcos Precinct Constable.
Jones has been endorsed by the Chandler Lieutenants and Sergeants Association; Chandler City Councilman Kevin Hartke; Chandler City Vice Mayor Rick Heumann; and National Constables and Marshals Association President Phil Hazlett.
For more information call (480) 7480816 or email Jonesey83@live.com
RENDERING: Chandler 202 building at Ellis and Frye roads. Submitted Photo
Council OKs permanent downtown stage
BY JOAN WESTLAKE
Chandler City Council’s June 12 unanimous approval set in motion an agreement between the City and Downtown Chandler Community Partnership to build a permanent outdoor stage on Commonwealth Street, east of Arizona Place.
Under the agreement, the City constructs, schedules and manages the stage. The design of the stage is a partnership between the City and DCCP, with Chandler contributing $250,000 and the downtown group giving $100,000 toward the design and construction.
Except for City- and DCCP-produced events, a rental rate will be charged as part of the Citywide Fee Schedule. In return for the DCCP investment, the City pays 25 percent of stage rental fees to the DCCP for 10 years so that group can market the new venue.
Kim Moyers, the City’s downtown redevelopment manager, explains that events are important because they bring visitors and residents to experience and enjoy the downtown. There’s a temporary, removable stage, but there are costs associated with time and labor and the inconvenience with erecting and disassembling it.
“This allows us to have a permanent and bigger stage that includes lighting and acoustics that larger events require,” she says. “This stage gives us the expansion we needed to bring in national acts and attract up to 20,000 people.”
The agreement was tucked in with various council consent agreement matters but, Moyers points out, the public and a variety of stakeholders had many opportunities to express their views, including three meetings in April 2013 plus a website that allowed viewing of the concept 24/7. When the stage was first discussed, officials weighted the pros and cons of several sites by using the portable stage set up in various locations. Prior to the April 2013 meetings, J2 Engineering and Environmental Design, the firm that designed the Arizona Avenue improvements, created conceptual designs and presentations pro bono for the DCCP.
The next step is a meeting among City staff and DCCP members to design the stage and area. The initial concept calls for a covered stage and a grassy area. Officials will set the design with dimensions and specific materials.
A design meeting in July is being organized with projections that the new stage could be ready by 2015. Moyer emphasizes that construction of the stage is being carefully planned so that existing downtown events are not interrupted.
Joan Westlake is the Community Editor for the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at joan@santansun.com.
out and enjoy the special events and have it in place already.”
The DCCP has been developing the downtown to be more community friendly. “We’re building a destination,” Lindley says. “Personally, my opinion is, we’ve become more community minded, and we’ve been collaborating more with merchants, property owners and the City as well.”
Looking back, Lindley explains that accomplishment would be at the top of her list of successes, “and just creating a sense of community and collaboration. Overall, for the DCCP, and for the board and for my staff as a whole, I think we’ve continued to brand downtown Chandler and make it a destination.”
Every weekend, Lindley says, there is something going on in Downtown Chandler. “My passions have always been downtowns and helping them succeed, and I think that we’ve done that with Downtown—building community and collaborative effort.”
Lindley is moving to a role as an economic development specialist with the Town of Queen Creek. The executive director position at the DCCP has not been filled. Her background includes working for an economic development organization and public affairs. She says of her decision to leave DCCP, “I think this is just a career path that I’m choosing to follow as far as the economic development piece goes, but I’ve certainly loved everything that I’ve learned and experienced at downtown
Chandler. It was a hard decision.” For more information about the Downtown Chandler Community Partnership or community events, visit www.downtownchandler.org.
Tracy House is the news editor for the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at tracy@santansun.com.
A PASSION FOR DOWNTOWNS: Jennifer Lindley was the executive director of the Downtown Chandler Community Partnership for three years. Her last day with the DCCP was June 19. A replacement has not yet been named. Submitted photo
Councilwoman Donovan elected Valley Metro chairwoman
Valley Metro and Valley Metro Rail transit boards elected new officers for the Fiscal Year 2014-15 term, and Chandler City Councilwoman Trinity Donovan is the new chairwoman of Valley Metro. Also elected are Vice Chairman and Avondale City Councilman Jim McDonald, and Treasurer and Glendale City Councilman Gary Sherwood.
Valley Metro is the regional public transportation authority providing public transit and rideshare services in the greater Phoenix area. The agency receives policy direction from elected officials representing 15 member cities and the county.
Valley Metro Rail, which operates the light rail system in the greater Phoenix area, also elected the following officers: Chairman–Mesa Councilman Dennis Kavanaugh and Vice Chairwoman–Phoenix Councilwoman Thelda Williams.
Desert Peaks Award honors Tibshraeny, Chandler
Mayor Jay Tibshraeny received the highest honor from the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) as he earned the Regional Excellence Award at the 2014 Desert Peaks Awards ceremony.
Additionally, Chandler and six neighboring East Valley cities were honored with MAG’s Regional Partnership Award for a collaboration that resulted in the formation of the East Valley Recycling Alliance (EVRA).
“Chandler has always prided itself on being collaborative, with a regional mindset,” Tibshraeny says. “These partnerships demonstrate the benefits of working collaboratively with our neighbors to provide important services to the community in the smartest and most responsible way possible.”
Tibshraeny’s longtime service to Chandler and the region earned him the Regional Excellence Award, specifically for his work in creating, protecting and preserving the Price Corridor. The Price Corridor is Chandler’s major employment corridor, attracting high-tech, high-wage jobs to the area and contributing to the city’s reputation as an innovation-andtechnology hub throughout the Southwest.
In addition, the mayor helped Chandler grow into the fourth largest city in Arizona, and led the community through its exceptional growth, while continuing to focus on quality development in the residential and commercial sectors.
Mayor Jay
accepts the Regional Excellence award at the Maricopa Association of Governments Ceremony in June. Submitted photo
Tibshraeny has served as MAG treasurer and on the Greater Phoenix Economic Council Board of Directors, Arizona League of Cities and Towns Executive Committee and East Valley Partnership. MAG’s Regional Partnership Award was presented to EVRA, which includes Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Queen Creek, Tempe, Scottsdale and Casa Grande, was formed in 2012 for the communities to share ideas and work together for regional recycling education and outreach. They combine their creativity and resources to develop recycling programs, marketing strategies and training materials. Innovative education efforts have resulted from the collaboration, including development of a recycling rewards program, recycling clubs, Girl Scout recycling workshops, a plastic bag recycling campaign, and a recycling mobile phone app.
LEADER: Trinity Donovan, Chandler councilwoman and chairwoman of Valley Metro. Submitted photo
WINNER:
Tibshraeny
Voters to decide on longer term limits
The Chandler City Council met at 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 26, and took action on 29 agenda items, including:
• Authorized sending to voters in November an amendment to the City Charter that would allow council members to serve three consecutive four-year terms. Council members currently are limited to two consecutive terms.
• Amended the Chandler City Code to add language allowing the use of fireworks permissible under a new state law, but only during authorized time periods and on private property with permission of the property owner. The amendment prohibits the use of fireworks on any public property including City-owned or managed facilities, public parks, public school facilities, public retention basins and public roads and streets.
• Adopted the 2014-15 Property Tax Levy rate of $1.1792 per $100 of assessed property value (a 9.22-cent decrease from the existing rate).
• Tentatively adopted an ordinance rezoning a 1.6-acre industrially zoned parcel within the Bogle Business Park near Hamilton Street and Pecos Road to allow for the construction of the Foothills Community Church. The action included approval of a preliminary development plan for the building architecture and site layout.
• Approved an intergovernmental
agreement with the Town of Gilbert for the creation of a joint holding facility to house persons arrested or detained. Currently, Chandler and Gilbert must transport detainees to downtown Phoenix for booking at the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office detention facility. Having a nearby facility is expected to save Chandler $100,000 per year.
• Approved an intergovernmental agreement with the Arizona Game and Fish Department to stock the lakes at Desert Breeze Park and Veterans Oasis Park with fish and assist with lake management and provide free fishing clinics to the public.
• Introduced an ordinance to rezone a 64-acre parcel located at the southeast corner of Alma School and Ocotillo roads to Single Family Residential, along with approval of a Preliminary Development Plan and Preliminary Plat. The site includes Compadre Stadium, but is proposed for a resort-style residential gated community, Echelon at Ocotillo, that would feature a combination of single family homes and townhomes integrated around a central lake system.
• Approved a joint marketing agreement with the Tempe Tourism Office to continue the Sunny Arizona marketing campaign to promote Chandler and Tempe as tourist destinations. The cost of the campaign
for fiscal year 2015 is estimated to be $130,000 and would be split equally between the two communities.
• Authorized payment of annual membership dues to the League of Arizona Cities and Towns in the amount of $88,250.
At the conclusion of the regular meeting, Vice Mayor Rick Heumann encouraged the public to participate in the various, community water drives currently underway, and Councilman Jack Sellers commended the mayor and city staff on awards received from the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG). Sellers also said he has been elected chairman of the MAG Transportation Policy Committee and recently spoke to the national convention of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 p.m.
During a study session on Monday, June 23, Mayor Jay Tibshraeny proclaimed July 2014 as Parks and Recreation Month in Chandler and June 23, 2014, as Operation Back to SchoolChandler Day in recognition of the communitywide school supply drive.
Mayor and council recognized several retiring employees, including Katrina Pappas who is retiring after 25 years as manager of the Chandler Center for the Arts, and Rob McLeod, a fire battalion chief retiring after 28 years of service.
Three employees were recognized for 20 years of service with the Chandler Police Department; officers Cameron Jacobs, Mark Stevens and Sgt. Charles Cote. Also recognized were 15-year employees Arthur Ramirez, a senior building inspector, and Michelle Mac Lennan, an assistant arts center manager who will replace the retiring Pappas.
The next City Council meeting will include a regular meeting and study session beginning at 7 p.m. Monday, July 7. Council meetings are aired live, as well as replayed, on Chandler Channel 11 and streamed on the Web at www. chandleraz.gov/video.
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) 782-2000.
Chamber releases its 2014 candidate endorsements
The Chandler Chamber of Commerce has released its 2014 candidate endorsements for public office after its recent completion of its Good Government interviews of this year’s candidates. The interviews were conducted by phone or in person at the Chandler Chamber of Commerce office in downtown Chandler.
The chamber has endorsed:
Governor – Scott Smith
Attorney General – Felecia Rotellini
U.S. Representative Congressional District 9 – Kyrsten Sinema
U.S. Representative Congressional District 5 – Matt Salmon
Secretary of State – Justin Pierce State Treasurer – Hugh Hallman Superintendent of Public Instruction
– David Garcia
Justice of the Peace – Keith Frankel Corporation Commissioner – Tom Forese, Doug Little
State Senator (Legislative District 17)
– Steve Yarbrough
State House Representative (Legislative District 17) – J.D. Mesnard, Jeff Weninger
State Senator (Legislative District 18)
– Jeff Dial
State House Representative (Legislative District 18) – John King, Bob Robson
City of Chandler Mayor – Jay Tibshraeny
Chandler City Council – Kevin Hartke, Rene Lopez, Terry Roe Terri Kimble, CEO and president of the chamber, states, “The process in which the Chandler chamber goes through for our endorsements is a lengthy and fair process which represents the voice of our business community.”
The Chandler Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to promoting regional economic growth, advancing business friendly public policies and servicing the members through outstanding programs, benefits and services. The Chandler Chamber of Commerce represents more than 1,300 businesses with more than 100,000 employees. The Chandler chamber is the third largest chamber in Arizona. For more information visit www. chandlerchamber.com, call the Chandler Chamber of Commerce at (480) 9634571 or email info@chandlerchamber. com.
Library offers free online courses
The Chandler Public Library’s free online course program for adults has a new name—Gale Courses. Previously known as Learn4Life, Gale Courses provide patrons with library card access to hundreds of instructor-led online courses on a variety of topics related to career education, college readiness and personal development.
Gale Courses offer well-crafted lessons, expert online instruction and interaction with fellow students that are accessible anywhere online, 24/7.
Courses are free for all patrons interested in any discipline. Gale Courses are easy to use; utilizing a library account to sign up and log in. Six-week courses are available yearround.
“Part of our mission at the Chandler Public Library is to inspire and engage lifelong learning in our community,” says Library Director Brenda Brown. “With Gale Courses, our customers will be able to enroll in courses covering all types of topics and subjects. Whether someone is considering going back to school and wants to explore different fields or just interested in digital photography, the course catalog offers something for everyone.”
Course topics include career and professional development, computers and technology and personal enrichment. Patrons can enroll at no
cost. Courses run for six weeks, with two new lessons released weekly (for a total of 12), and new sessions beginning every month. The courses are entirely web-based with comprehensive lessons, quizzes and assignments. A dedicated professional instructor coordinates every course by pacing learners, answering questions, giving feedback and facilitating discussions. Additionally, through July 26, participants of the Summer Reading Program can earn a badge, as well as 25 points, for registering for a class through Gale Courses and providing proof of registration to a staff member. For more information about the Summer Reading Program, go to www. summer.mcldaz.org. For questions or more information about Gale Courses, call (480) 782-2800 or visit www. education.gale.com/l-chandler/.
LUSH offers products for summer temperatures
LUSH launched new products that will keep hair and skin looking great despite the balmy summer weather. SOS, Save Our Skin, from Summer Ailments provides products that can be added into the mix for an easy, breezy summertime beauty routine.
Parsley Porridge soap, $7.80 for 1/4 of a pound, is antibacterial and great to use after a workout to help combat acne on the back or chest.
Protect nicks from shaving and any sensitive areas from cuts and razor burn with D’Fluff Shaving Soap. The product, which is $9.95 to $16.95, includes coconut oil and Fair Trade cocoa butter.
Took it too hard on the last run?
Take a bath with Granny Takes a Dip Bath Bomb, $6.95, with warming ginger oil to ease the strain of tired or sore muscles.
LUSH also offers a product for sunburned skin. Calm red and inflamed skin with global best-seller, Dream Cream body lotion for $26.95. It’s chock full of soothing ingredients such as kernel extract, rose water and chamomile.
Summer brings plenty of yummy fruits that are not only great to eat, but help your skin and hair look its best too. LUSH uses fresh ingredients in its products, which means
customers are receiving the most beneficial nutrients at their peak.
Melon, which is high in vitamin C can be found in African Paradise Body Conditioner, $39.95, an in-shower body lotion that moisturizes and lightly perfumes the skin.
Mango pulp is brightening and is used in Magnificent soap. It is $7.80 for a quarter of a pound.
Bananas, which are full of moisturizing and emollient properties, keep skin healthy and happy. King of Skin Body Butter, $13.95, uses fresh mashed bananas to hydrate and repair parched skin.
Blueberries, which are high in antioxidants, is a super fruit that works to reduce inflammation.
Catastrophe Cosmetic Fresh Face Mask, $6.95, is great for both troubled, spotty skin and skin that’s seen too much sun.
Strawberries, when used topically, have an enzymatic action that helps to remove dead skin cells. Find them whipped in D’Fluff Shaving Soap, $9.95 to $16.95, a frothy pink shaving cream.
For more information, visit www. LUSHusa.com , or www.Facebook. com/lushcosmetics.
Donate water to Papa Murphy’s Pizza and receive discount
Join all Valley Papa Murphy’s Pizza locations in an important endeavor to hydrate the homeless population of Phoenix. Drop off a case of water through Thursday, July 31, at any Valley Papa Murphy’s Pizza location and receive a $5 discount off a family-size pizza. Limit one discount per person during the month of July.
“Water is a minimum essential,” says Phoenix Franchise Owner Ed Holmes. “When we were apprised of the great need our city’s homeless population has for this resource, we knew we had to step up. We have more than 40 locations Valleywide set up as collection spots, and we’re hoping others will be compelled to act for this worthy cause.”
The bottled water collected at more than 40 Papa Murphy’s Pizza locations will support the Phoenix Rescue Mission’s Code Red heat relief for the homeless. This is the second year of the life-saving campaign, which last year distributed more than 362,000 bottles of water on the streets. This year’s goal is to collect 400,000 bottles of water. To find a Papa Murphy’s, go to www.papamurphys.com.
Phoenix Rescue Mission provides Christcentered, life transforming solutions to persons facing hunger and homelessness. The nonprofit mission has been operating since 1952. For more information call (602) 233-3000 or visit www.phoenixrescuemission.org.
Chandler entrepreneurs honored for outstanding customer service
Allstate announced four Chandler business owners and involved citizens as Allstate Premier Agencies in 2014.
Those include Jim Kaup, 565 W. Chandler Blvd., Suite 218, (480) 821-2763; Joe Kittelson, 1351 N. Alma School Rd., Suite 160, (480) 545-8877; Kevin Lum, 5055 W. Ray Rd., Suite 22, (480) 883-8798 and Jacque Riggs, 3160 S. Gilbert Rd., Suite 4, (480) 883-7776.
The Allstate Premier Agency designation is bestowed on less than 48 percent of Allstate’s nearly 10,000 agency owners across
the country. This designation is presented by Allstate agency owners for their outstanding business performance and commitment to putting customers at the center of their agencies’ work.
“The Premier Agency designation is not only about our agents’ successful business results,” says Jim Turner, regional sales leader for Allstate. “The honor also demonstrates our agencies’ commitment to taking care of customers and helping them protect what matters most.”
Intersection safety improvements meeting set
The public is invited to comment on design plans for proposed safety and traffic-flow improvements to the intersection of Alma School Road and Chandler Boulevard during the public meeting set for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 15, at the Arizona College Prep–Erie Campus Library, 1150 W. Erie St., Chandler. Attendees can review materials describing the $6.5 million project and speak with project team members.
Construction is anticipated to begin in early 2016 with more than 80 percent of the construction cost funded by a $5.5 million Highway Safety
Improvement Program grant from the Federal Highway Administration. The intersection handles approximately 61,000 vehicles per day and had the fourth-highest collision rate in the city in 2012.
The plan adds dual left-turn lanes, dedicated right-turn lanes and a third through-lane on Alma School Road. The project also includes new storm drains, curb, gutter, sidewalks, signals and landscaping. A crash analysis of seven similar intersection imp rovement projects in Chandler showed accidents decreased an average of 35 percent.
DEADLINES FOR SANTAN SUN NEWS
The deadline for news and advertising is 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 9, for the Saturday, July 19, 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 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 www.santansun.com and click on “About us” and call (480) 732-0250 for advertising rate details.
Improvements to the intersection of Alma School Road and Chandler Boulevard will be discussed at a July 15 public meeting. Submitted photo
SAFETY AND TRAFFIC FLOW: