August 16 – September 5, 2014 www.SanTanSun.com
Longtime resident named City’s communications director BY JOAN WESTLAKE
Matt Burdick, formerly the communications director for the Arizona Department of Transportation, is Chandler’s new communications and public affairs director, replacing Nachie Marquez, who was promoted to assistant city manager in March. In the new position since Aug. 11, Burdick oversees the Mayor and City Council Office; Public Information; Video Production and Print; Mail and Graphics divisions; as well as Web coordination; publications; and the responsibility of enhancing Chandler’s image locally, regionally and nationally. Raising his family in Chandler for nearly two decades, Burdick brings a wealth of knowledge about the community, its people and amenities. While at ADOT, he worked closely with Chandler for the development, construction and operation of the Price and Santan freeways and its related projects. He has experience in all facets of communication, including public involvement, public affairs, media relations, marketing and crisis communications. Burdick earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing and master’s degree in mass communications from Arizona State University. “We chose Chandler to raise our family because of the quality of life, education, jobs, recreation and people,” Burdick says. “The quality of the schools and teachers in the Chandler Unified School District, along with the safe neighborhoods and
BY SCOTT SHUMAKER
Crews are raising solar arrays over 140 parking spaces at Chandler’s Downtown Library this summer, and residents will only have to wait until Aug. 30—or sooner—to enjoy the shade. The City of Chandler approved at an April council meeting a $461,183 deal to install the panels with SolarCity, a San Mateo, Californiabased residential and commercial solar developer. The City approved a similar $239,095 deal to place solar
The City of Chandler is looking for proposals to create a dynamic, mixed-use statement at the northern entrance to downtown. The City’s Request for Proposals is for the 4.6-acre property located on the southwest corner of Chandler Boulevard and Arizona Avenue, designated as Site 1-2-3. Acting as a gateway to Chandler’s downtown, it holds potential to expand the commercial and retail offerings as well as residential and all the amenities that are desired by those living and working in the area. Downtown Redevelopment
COMMUNICATIONS FAMILY: Longtime resident and new Chandler Communications Director Matt Burdick and his wife, Laura, relax at a Chandler park with daughter, Olivia, son, Quinn, and a furry buddy. Submitted photo
variety of youth activities were big factors. Several members of my wife’s family live in Chandler, so that is how we were first exposed to the city. My wife is a registered nurse and worked for several years at Chandler Regional Hospital.” Burdick points out there are countless ways community members might know him and his family. Athletics and running are longstanding parts of their lives. He and his wife have played coed softball for more than a decade at Snedigar and Folley parks. He coached a traveling softball SEE COMMUNICATIONS
DIRECTOR PAGE 6
Manager Kim Moyers explains that during the past decade, the area has become such a thriving destination that now an extremely low-vacancy rate is preventing new businesses from locating here. The Chandler downtown office vacancy rate of 4.4 percent, and retail and restaurant vacancies at about 2 percent are in stark contrast with Metro Phoenix’s office vacancy of 20 percent and retail of 10. The RFP is asking for approximately 40,000 square feet of restaurant, retail and entertainment; 50,000 square feet of office and office services; and the rest of the area as a combination of
GOOD DAY SUNSHINE: Patrons of the Downtown Library are leaving the facility a little cooler, thanks to a new parking lot solar project. STSN photo by Ron Lang
ROLLING AT SKATELAND
POSSESSED TO SKATE: Madisyn Dickson and Zoie Zimpleman let the “walkers” do the work so they can chat with each other STSN photo by Tim Sealy For more photos of Skateland see page 50
SEE PROPOSALS PAGE 4
SUMMER SPECIAL ROC: 280175, Southwest Holding Group Co.
arrays at the Police Property and Evidence Building. The money paid by the City purchases 12 million kilowatts of electricity from SolarCity at a fixed rate of 3 1/2 cents per kilowatt—less than the government pays for power from APS, according to Marian Norris, assistant to the Chandler city manager. SolarCity, chaired by business mogul and Tesla Motor CEO Elon Musk, will install, own and operate the library’s panels for the duration of the 20-year deal. The company is one of SEE SOLAR PAGE 4
Officials request development proposals for downtown gateway BY JOAN WESTLAKE
Solar-power deal adds covered parking to library
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F E AT U R E STO R I E S Drive with caution by ongoing road work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .COMMUNITY . . . . . . . . . . . Page 5 California Closets specializes in custom storage systems . . .BUSINESS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 15 Parks and Rec offers variety of new classes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .YOUTH . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 24 Child-abuse coalition achieves nonprofit status. . . . . . . . . . . .NEIGHBORS . . . . . . . . . . . Page 41 Acoustic artist yearns for that interaction with audiences. .ARTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 51
CLIP-IT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Center Section
More Community . . . . . . 1-14 Business . . . . . . . . 15-22 Youth. . . . . . . . . . .23-34 Opinion. . . . . . . . 39-40 Neighbors. . . . . . .41-50 Arts . . . . . . . . . . . .51-60 Spirituality . . . . . .61-63 Directory . . . . . . 64-65 Classifieds. . . . . . 66-67 Where to eat . . . 68-70
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August 16 - September 5, 2014
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7 Things You Must Know Before Putting Your Home Up for Sale MARICOPA COUNTY - A new report has just been released which reveals 7 costly mistakes that most homeowners make when selling their home and a 9-Step System that can help you sell your home fast and for the most amount of money. This industry report shows clearly how the traditional ways of selling homes have become increasingly less and less effective in today’s market. The fact of the matter is that a full three quarters of home sellers don’t get what they want for their homes and become disillusioned and—worse disadvantaged when they put their homes on the market.
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Community
August 16 - September 5, 2014
SOLAR FROM PAGE 1
www.SanTanSun.com
PROPOSALS FROM PAGE 1
the largest commercial and residential solar providers in the country. Installation of the Downtown Library panels began July 7 and is scheduled to wrap up at the end of the month. Rosanna Johnson, the library’s marketing assistant, says work began on the two farthest rows of the parking lot. She says solar panel-covered parking will be available as soon as each row is finished, even before the entire project is completed. “(SolarCity) has been really good in determining how we can do this project in the least invasive way,” she says. “It’s been a busy summer for us.” She is referring to the summer-reading programs and the addition of 3M’s e-book lending system to the Chandler Public Library. Johnson says so far the feedback she has received from people around the community and via the library’s Facebook and Twitter pages has been positive. One response to the covered parking she’s heard: “It’s about time.” Scott Shumaker is a freelancer for the SanTan Sun News. He can be reached at news@santansun.com.
multi-family housing, added office space, entertainment or a hotel. If the RFP parameters seem broad, Moyers points out that is not by chance. “We want to see developers come in with their creativity and design a site that would complement Chandler downtown,” she says. “It is important to note we have quite a bit of multifamily that will be developed in the next few years. That brings new needs...so it is important that developers understand their market from the residents, who need grocery and other amenities, as well the office standpoint.” Site 1-2-3 is vacant and owned by the City of Chandler so the process does not require the time sometimes needed for site assemblage. The RFP is open through Friday, Oct. 24, and is available at www.chandleraz. gov/downtown. Following the 90-day RFP submission opportunity, a City of Chandler committee will review the RFPs and will announce its selection. Joan Westlake is a freelance writer for the STSN. She can be reached at news@santansun.com
MAPPING A NEW ENTRANCE: RFPs are being requested for Site 1-2-3 to create a dramatic new northern gateway into Chandler Downtown. Submitted photo
Public invited to comment about Chandler police As part of the on-site assessment by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc. (CALEA), agency employees and community members are being asked to comment at a public information session at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 19, at the Chandler Police Department’s main station community room, 250 E. Chicago St. Also, anyone wishing to submit written comments about the Chandler Police Department’s ability to comply with the standards for accreditation may send them to: Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, 13575
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Heathcote Blvd., Suite 320, Gainesville, VA 20155. On Aug. 18, a team of assessors from CALEA arrives to examine the Chandler Police Department’s policies and procedures; management; operations; and support services as part of the voluntary process police agencies undergo to become accredited by CALEA. The Chandler Police Department achieved accreditation for the first time in November 1996 and was reaccredited in 1999, 2002, 2005, 2008 and 2011. Police officials say the 2014 assessment for reaccreditation is conducted to show the
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Drive with caution by ongoing roadwork As road work on Gilbert Road to Chandler Heights Road wraps up, final thermo-striping takes place the month of August. Scheduled for September is work on the next phase of the Gilbert Road Improvements Project, from just south of Chandler Heights Road to Hunt Highway. Expanding Gilbert Road to four lanes, the project includes sidewalks, bike lanes, curbs, gutters, street lights, storm drainage, traffic signals and landscaping.
November Projects Early in the month, work on McQueen Road between Ocotillo and Riggs roads is
expected to begin. The project includes widening the street to four lanes and includes bike lanes, sidewalks, curbs and gutters, street lighting, turn lanes, traffic signals, storm drainage, medians, landscaping and utility relocation. Late November, the widening to two lanes in each direction of Ocotillo Road between Arizona Avenue and McQueen Road begins with center-turn bays, bicycle lanes, curb, gutter, sidewalks, storm drainage and landscaping. A new pedestrian signal is being installed where the Paseo Trail (located alongside the Consolidated Canal) crosses Ocotillo Road,
and the railroad crossing is being improved. Late in the month, improvements are planned for Queen Creek Road, west of Price Road, including a new traffic signal at Queen Creek and Old Price roads, new turn bays and work associated with Wells Fargo’s expansion near this location.
First Mark-Taylor-built rental community in Gilbert opens Mark-Taylor opens the 296-unit San Privada in the Gilbert Spectrum neighborhood at Val Vista Drive and Pecos Road. Rent ranges from $960 to $1,800 for one-, two- and three-bedroom units. San Privada residents can stroll the town’s sidewalks and landscaped paths that are within blocks of the SanTan Village and area retail including Costco, Best Buy, Harkins Theater and Dick’s Sporting Goods. “Gilbert is home to a large number of young, educated employees with aspirations to move up the corporate ladder,” said
Mark-Taylor Vice President Chris Brozina. “San Privada provides residents a high quality place to reside at a time where they might be more focused on their ascending career and not necessarily ready for the commitment that comes with home ownership.” The community is an example of “The Next Generation of Mark-Taylor,” a slogan the company uses to describe the evolution of apartment communities over the past two decades. Features include those typically found in a modern, custom home
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such as granite-kitchen islands, custom wood cabinets, clean steel appliances, distressed plank flooring, oiled-bronze fixtures, pendant lighting and direct-access garages. San Privada has a fitness facility that is nearly 4,000 square feet in size and units that are among the largest in metro Phoenix. Residents also have access to a spinning studio, a cyber café with Mac and PC options, a social lounge, an outdoor cabana that includes a poolside kitchen and a lagoon-style pool setting. Find out more at www.sanprivada.com or (480) 477-9571.
August 16 - September 5, 2014
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RSVP for free October FEMA basic disaster training The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), affiliated with the Chandler Fire Health and Medical Department, is holding a 21-hour, three-day FEMA Chandler CERT Basic Class taught by specially certified Chandler firefighters. Learn about the options and the skills necessary, in an emergency or disaster, to secure home, family and neighbors until first responders can arrive. Held at no charge, class minimum age is 16. After completing the course, attendees take part in a disaster-drill simulation. The course takes place 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays Oct. 4 and Oct. 11, and 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Oct. 18 at Chandler Fire Health and Medical Training Facility, 3550 S. Dobson Rd., Chandler. Email CERTAdmin@chandleraz.gov for reservations and information, or call (480) 782-2116. Attendance at this basic course is the first requirement for membership in CERT.
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August 16 - September 5, 2014
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR FROM PAGE 1
team in Chandler for five years as well as youth soccer and baseball teams when his children were younger. Burdick also coached in the Chandler Girls Softball League at Folley Park for three years and is coaching a team of girls age 10 and younger this fall. Along with two of his brothers-inlaw, he has been a member of the Mesa Hohokams since 2003, helping to host the Chicago Cubs spring training games and raising money to support youth athletic programs in the East Valley. A Parishioner at St. Andrew Catholic Faith Community, his children attend Seton Catholic Preparatory High School. They previously went to Andersen Elementary and Junior High schools as well as Santan Junior High. Burdick and his wife are active in their children’s schools, attending and helping out at music concerts, parade entries, library fairs and carnivals. Burdick has taught Junior Achievement classes. Regarding his new position, Burdick says, “I have the utmost respect for the policy decisions made by the mayor and council and the way the City is run by the city manager and department directors. “I look forward to bringing my skills and experiences to the City of Chandler to keep residents, businesses and stakeholders informed through timely communication and useful information that helps foster community pride.” Joan Westlake is a freelance writer for the STSN. She can be reached at news@ santansun.com
Community Fall HOA Academy shares powerful management know-how Chandler’s free Homeowners Association Academy is a way to network and learn from experts knowledgeable in HOA management. The academy is comprised of four classes scheduled for 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays Sept. 16 through Oct. 7. The City is partnering with Mulcahy Law Firm PC, Shaw and Lines LLC, Torrent Resources and Chandler’s Storm Water Management Program to present the academy, which will be held in Training Rooms A and B on the second floor of Chandler City Hall, 175 S. Arizona Ave. Contact the Neighborhood Programs Office at (480) 782-4354 to register.
Applications can be downloaded at www. chandleraz.gov/neighborhoods. Class topics will include: • Sept. 16: Legislative Update and How to Effectively Deal with Rental Properties. Participants will receive an in-depth review of the community association bills passed in the 2014 legislative session and engage in discussions related to rentals and the applicable new laws. • Sept. 23: Save the Association Money by Maintaining Dry Wells and the Reserve Study. This class will provide an overview on association drywells and discuss common systems, inspection and maintenance and
www.SanTanSun.com applicable City requirements. Participants will also discuss Reserve Studies and their importance as the community ages. • Sept. 30: CC&R Enforcement and Collections Simplified. Participants will learn about proactive approaches and the five secrets to collecting assessments and using the association’s available legal remedies to collect delinquencies. • Oct. 7: Properly Choose Vendors and Protect the Association Concerning Vendor Transactions. Learn the proper steps an HOA should take when looking to hire vendors such as management companies, landscapers and attorneys. Enrollment priority for the Chandler HOA Academy will be given to Chandler residents. Those who complete all four classes will receive a Certificate of Completion and will be recognized at a future Chandler City Council meeting.
Radiant Research conducting clinical trial for Hepatitis B vaccine Radiant Research in Chandler is taking part in a vaccine study that could have an impact on the health of Americans for years to come. The clinic is conducting a Phase III clinical trial for an investigational adult hepatitis B vaccine. Hepatitis B is a virus that can cause liver failure, liver cancer, cirrhosis and even death. It is often called the “silent killer” because its preliminary symptoms can go unnoticed, even by doctors.
While there is no cure for hepatitis B, disease prevention through effective vaccines is crucial. However, the adult hepatitis B vaccines that are available have several limitations, including a slow onset of protection and poor compliance (current vaccines need to be given in three doses, and in some settings, only 30 percent of people receive all three doses). Hepatitis B vaccine is being
recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for adults with diabetes. The investigational vaccine being tested at Radiant Research is a twodose vaccine that addresses the above limitations. The study is enrolling adult patients under the direct supervision of Dr. Randall Severance. Interested individuals can call (888) 92-STUDY or (480) 775-1115.
Community
www.SanTanSun.com
August 16 - September 5, 2014
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August 16 - September 5, 2014
City of Chandler Insider
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CDBG program celebrates 40 years Chandler celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program highlighting how instrumental it has been to funding services that improve the health and safety of our community. Through widespread community involvement, strong local leadership and a thoughtful and concerted planning process, CDBG has become an important catalyst for Chandler’s economic growth and sustainability. On Aug. 22, 1974, President Gerald R. Ford signed a law creating the CDBG program, which merged seven individual federal grant programs into a block grant that is distributed to state and local governments according to their population, poverty rate, housing stock and other variables. The grants are used to address critical and unmet community needs including those for housing rehabilitation, public facilities, infrastructure, economic development and public services. Chandler receives more than $1 million a year in CDBG funds, which the City uses to remove blight, address community development needs and pay for a variety of programs and services that benefit lower-income people and neighborhoods. The Housing and Human Services Commission, appointed by the mayor, helps assess community needs and makes recommendations to the mayor and council on the use of CDBG grant funds. While Chandler’s household income is
relatively high, 9 percent of Chandler families lived in poverty in 2010. Many of the programs funded by CDBG help address the needs of these vulnerable families and individuals. The City’s Public Housing Youth Program is one example. CDBG helps fund the program, which last fiscal year provided educational, skill building and summer recreation programs to 459 low income youth residing in public housing sites. The 10,000-square-foot expansion of the Chandler Christian Community Center providing more food storage, office and public spaces is another example of CDBG funds at work. The center provides services to more than 19,000 Chandler residents annually, including supportive and crisis-based services, a food bank, senior meals and a Family Resources Center. As the City of Chandler reaches buildout, neighborhood stabilization and revitalization have become increasingly important, especially in areas with a large volume of older and substandard housing stock and concentrations of low-income households. City CDBG funds are being used for a Blight Elimination Program that resulted in the inspection of hundreds of properties in low- to moderate-income areas and the opening of 200 codeenforcement cases last fiscal year to address blighting conditions. In addition, seven structures have been demolished under the CDBG-funded Voluntary
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A HELPING VAN: Chandler has been able to expand services to the homeless thanks to CDBG. Submitted photo
Demolition Program. The Emergency Home Repair Program, operated by Habitat for Humanity, uses CDBG funds to provide urgent home repairs to low- and moderateincome families, and Chandler’s Exterior Improvement Program provides exterior home improvements such as painting, landscaping and other exterior elements that visibly impact the home and neighborhood. Approximately 90 homes benefitted from these programs last fiscal year. A number of activities related to mobility and connectivity improvements for disabled persons living in lowincome residential neighborhoods are funded with CDBG dollars, including the installation the past fiscal year of 38 curb
ramps, 25 residential driveways, three commercial drives, 10 alley entrances and 2,300 linear feet of new sidewalk. CDBG funds also paid for the installation of 698 new or improved street lights in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. CDBG funds provide a number of individuals and families with emergency shelter and case-management services, as well as job training to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Many lowincome Chandler residents also receive help through Community Legal Services. Over the past several years, Chandler has prioritized programs for the homeless and used CDBG funds to significantly expand outreach and service levels. For example, Community Bridges Inc. provides a Tenant Based Rental Assistance Program for 15 chronically homeless households. CDBG dollars fund a homeless navigator who establishes relationships with the homeless for their voluntary acceptance of housing and provides support and advocacy to help them stay housed. Chandler’s downtown library includes a coffee and sandwich shop managed by a nonprofit agency, the National Advocacy and Training Network, which operates four women’s shelters in Mesa and Chandler, and receives CDBG funds to address health, safety and economic issues related to domestic violence, sexual assault and substance abuse. Shelter residents operate the Cup O’ Karma Community Cafe for a Cause and learn employment skills such as customer service, community relations, marketing, purchasing and management.
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City of Chandler Insider
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August 16 - September 5, 2014
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Program supervisor uses experience to help Chandler communities As the CDBG program supervisor, Barbara Bellamy manages the annual allocations’ process and provides technical support to the applicants seeking CDBG funding. Her work history speaks volumes about her passion for helping neighborhoods. After working for the City of Phoenix for 31 years, she retired and came to assist Chandler communities in 2012. With 16 years managing CDBG-funded programs and projects in the Phoenix Neighborhood Services Department, she was a perfect fit for the Chandler job. Her work history also includes managing the relocation of homeowners and tenants who occupied housing in the pathway of federally funded public improvement projects, such as the Piestewa Parkway, the Phoenix Convention Center expansion and Phoenix Sky Harbor’s West Airport Land Acquisition. She asserts that neighborhoods are the backbone of a healthy city. “Working with families so closely to create a suitable relocation plan meant helping them select a replacement neighborhood and home that the family would move to after the city purchased their home for a public purpose. I became knowledgeable about neighborhood characteristics...the social characteristics, demographics, housing type, age of housing stock, schools and crime statistics, etc.” Bellamy adds, “Everyone wants to
DEDICATED EMPLOYEE: Barbara Bellamy brings CDBG assistance to help Chandler neighborhoods thrive. Submitted photo
live in a thriving, healthy neighborhood and with the help of federal funds, cities are able to create programs that revitalize low and moderate neighborhoods through housing rehabilitation, emergency home repair, code enforcement and the demolition of unsafe structures.” The most rewarding aspect of her job, she says, is to see how CDBG funds are used to support the most needed programs and services for Chandler
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RESTORING NEIGHBORHOODS: Funds to repair homes help keep neighborhoods safe and healthy. Submitted photo
residents. Bellamy adds that it is very rewarding to see unsafe and unhealthy housing being renewed through Chandler’s Housing Rehabilitation Program. Bellamy certainly makes a strong
commitment to Chandler. A Glendale resident, she makes an 80-mile, roundtrip commute each day to her job. When she is not at work, her favorite hobby is creating stained glass mosaic stepping stones.
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August 16 - September 5, 2014
City of Chandler Insider
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City of Chandler Insider
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August 16 - September 5, 2014
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Kids see a bigger future in Public Housing Youth Program It’s a small office with a desk and two chairs. A collection of items ranging from school supplies to kick balls occupy makeshift shelves and a good part of the floor. A bulletin board above the desk displays certificates, cards and photographs of smiling children and families. Adjacent to the office is a large activity room, quiet now, but soon to fill with children participating in Chandler’s Public Housing Youth Program. This is Deborah Burkett’s office, the recreation coordinator who oversees the Public Housing Youth Program and writes the applications for the CDBG funds that help support it. Burkett and her small team of recreation leaders provide afterschool and daily recreation programs for the children residing at four public housing areas within the city. Two of the program’s five recreation leaders are funded by CDBG. The program offers children a place to connect with friends and on-site neighbors, where children ages 6 to 18 receive help with their homework and participate in structured activities that include fun and games, but with a purpose. “The children are receiving some mentoring and tutoring and being exposed to experiences and opportunities they might not receive otherwise,” says Burkett, who on Aug. 5 celebrated 12 years with the program. “Each afternoon, we spend the first
hour-and-a-half doing homework or having the children read or spend quiet time doing word puzzles or activities involving maps or learning about the states.” Burkett explains that participation in the program is voluntary, but estimates that three out of every four children residing in public housing participate in the program. She attributes much of the program’s success to its proximity to those it serves. “I can’t stress enough how valuable it is that we are here where the kids live. We are part of their everyday life, part of their community. They don’t have to get on a bus and travel somewhere or need mom to drop them off and pick them up,” she says. “And, the parents know where their kids are and that they are being supervised.” Group activities are a large part of the program, which during the school year is called ASPIRE, meaning After School Program—Imagination, Recreation, and Education. Depending on the time of year, children gather indoors for group activities or go outside to play basketball or field games. Homework All Stars and Site Bucks incentive programs allow the children to earn school supplies, books, toys, holiday gifts, snacks and more. The Chandler Boys and Girls Club provides free memberships to more than 100
RETURN OF SUCCESSFUL YOUTH: Deborah Burkett points to a brochure from Maricopa Community Colleges that features the photo of a former Public Housing Youth Program participant who brought it by her office. Submitted photo
public housing youth as well as low-cost participation in their flag football and basketball leagues. During the school intersession, Burkett and her team take the children on field trips to places like Big Surf, Butterfly Wonderland, Golfland and Extreme Air. For many, it’s a rare treat and an escape from the sameness of their surroundings. “We let them know that there’s more than Chandler and more than just their part of Chandler,” Burkett says. “When we take them to the top of South Mountain or on top of Papago Buttes in Tempe, they get a view of a bigger area, a bigger world.”
YOUTH FIELD TRIP: Children on a field trip see a future in a bigger world and learn they can climb the mountains to achieve it. Submitted photo
Providing the youth in public housing with a bigger view of what is possible and providing a safe and structured environment in which to learn and play is what makes the youth program a success. That, and people like Deborah Burkett. “I had one young girl join us on a field trip where we walked to the top of Hole In The Rock at Papago Buttes,” Burkett recalls with a smile. “Afterward, she told me, ‘Now, I know I can climb a mountain.’ That’s what I hope our contribution has been to these children…to let them know that they can climb mountains.” Information provided by the City of Chandler Communications and Public Affairs Department.
Proven Leadership
A Lifetime of Service
Priorities: Create Jobs Keep Neighborhoods Safe Ensure Fiscal Responsibility
Endorsed by Mayor Tibshraeny, Chandler Chamber of Commerce, Chandler Fire, Police and the Entire Chandler City Council.
www.KevinHartke.com • 480-363-4433 Kevin has been married for 33 years and he has four children and two grandchildren.
KEVIN HARTKE FOR CHANDLER CITY COUNCIL Paid for by Kevin Hartke for Council
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Community
August 16 - September 5, 2014
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Looking back: Chandler’s sheep farmers BY TRACY HOUSE
Though it’s hard to imagine, as recently as the 1990s several large sheep herds called Chandler home. Sheep ranching was a lucrative business in the early 1900s and, by 1934, more than 42,000 head were being raised in Chandler, producing more than 2 million pounds of wool. The Andersens, Auzas, Etchamendys, Eramuzpes and Thudes all had huge herds in West Chandler. The sheep spent the winter months in Chandler and every spring were driven up the Heber-Reno Sheep Trail to the White Mountains. They crossed the Salt River at Bluepoint and continued on forest service trails, grazing as they walked. The trip took six weeks. The sheep would spend the hot summer months in the mountains before returning in the fall, taking the same six-week trip back to the Valley. Over the years, development pushed the sheep farms out of Chandler. The last sheep herd left Chandler in 2012. Photos courtesy of Chandler Museum
PACKED : Dobson sheep herd near Elliot Road and Arizona Avenue during roundup (early 1960s).
WORKING DUDES: Joe Auza (right) and herder Miguel Gatiez herd sheep in mountain summer pasture lands (no date).
OLD SCHOOL: The Dobson sheep herd crosses the Salt River at Bluepoint over the old sheep bridge (no date). Earl, Dwayne and Roy Dobson stand at right with others who are unidentified.
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Community
August 16 - September 5, 2014
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August 16 - September 5, 2014
Community
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About Care looking for art donations for Veterans Day event About Care seeks volunteers and donations of original art or signed prints for its annual Veterans Day wine tasting and art auction 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 8, at the Vision Gallery, 10 E. Chicago St., Chandler. Admission is $25 including beverages and appetizers. The nonprofit organization serves homebound elderly and the
disabled in Chandler and Gilbert; the majority are former military or their family members. About Care was created in 2005 to assist residents with services that enable them to remain in their home, live with self-respect and dignity while encouraging independence. Helping to postpone the expense of long-term care,
the group’s free services include transport to medical appointments and weekly errands as well as reassurance phone calls, computer assistance and minor home repairs. To volunteer or donate art, go to www.aboutcare.org or call (480) 802-2331.
Councilwoman Donovan chairs Valley transit organization The Valley Metro Regional Public Transportation Authority (RPTA) elected Councilwoman Trinity Donovan as chairwoman of its board of directors for fiscal year 2014-2015. Valley Metro is the regional public transportation authority providing public transit and rideshare services in the greater Phoenix area. Donovan has been Chandler’s representative on the RPTA since 2007 and most recently served as vice chairwoman of the
DEADLINES FOR SANTAN SUN NEWS
board. During her tenure with the board, she also served as a member of the RPTA Budget and Finance subcommittee. She also represents the City as a member of the Maricopa Association of Governments Human Services Coordinating and through her involvement in the National League of Cities’ Council on Youth, Education and Families. Donovan is the CEO of Chandler Christian Community Center. Trinity Donovan. Submitted photo
The deadline for news and advertising is 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27, for the Saturday, Sept. 6, 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.