Feb. 18 - March 3, 2017 www.SanTanSun.com
Officials ‘excited’ about Intel expansion and Fab 42 factory BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI
City, County and State officials are thrilled with Intel’s plans to build $7 billion semiconductor factory in Chandler, as the company announced recently. “Projects this big don’t happen without a lot of collaboration,” said Denny Barney, Maricopa County Board of Supervisors chairman District 1. “I’m proud of Maricopa County’s role in clearing the path for a project that will create so many high-paying, high-tech jobs. The Maricopa County Air Quality Department has been working cooperatively with Intel on the air permitting process, and the Board of Supervisors has made it a priority to ensure we are creating a regulatory environment that allows large and small businesses to succeed and families to thrive. The announcement is proof that what we are doing, together with local and state leaders, is working.” Intel Corp. announced on Feb 8
(Photo courtesy of Intel Corp.)
Intel Corp. on Tuesday, Feb. 8, announced plans to invest more than $7 billion to complete Fab 42. On completion, Fab 42 in Chandler is expected to be the most advanced semiconductor factory in the world.
plans to invest more than $7 billion to complete Fab 42, which is expected to be the most advanced semiconductor
factory in the world. The high-volume factory is targeted to use the 7 nanometer (nm) manufacturing process.
It will produce microprocessors to power data centers and hundreds of millions of smart and connected devices worldwide. The announcement was made by U.S. President Donald Trump and Intel CEO Brian Krzanich at the White House. The completion of Fab 42 in three to four years will directly create approximately 3,000 high-tech, highwage Intel jobs for process engineers, equipment technicians, and facilitiessupport engineers and technicians who will work at the site. Combined with the indirect impact on businesses that will help support the factory’s operations, Fab 42 is expected to create more than 10,000 total long-term jobs in Arizona. U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) said the move is “great news for the people of our state.” “This decision, which will create more see
INTEL page 3
Slain Chandler High School teen aspired to be an engineer
Phil Mickelson ownership group to buy Ocotillo Golf Resort
BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI
BY ARMAN SIDHU
Chandler High School graduate Erick Ordonez Huerta didn’t care what people thought about him. He loved to dance and sing, and if someone questioned that, he had a practical answer. “‘Dance is what I do and what I love to do,’” his cousin Ricardo Ramirez recalled. “If guys would tell him something, he would say, ‘I like this and you have to let me be me.’” Ordonez Huerta’s life was cut short on Jan. 7 when he was shot and killed protecting a friend at a party in Glendale. The 19-year-old died on a sidewalk in the 4500 block of West Berridge Lane after public safety personnel tried to revive him. Anyone with information is asked to call the Glendale Police Department at 623-930-3000. Ordonez Huerta’s 16-year-old sister, Rachel, is heartbroken. “He was kind to everyone,” she said. “He was full of life and was admired by many. He had a dream to become an engineer. He was going to ChandlerGilbert Community College and he was in a program called HSO, Hispanic Students
Organization, and a club for male empowerment.” Ordonez Huerta maintained a 3.5 GPA, while working to help support his family. One of his professors, Chantal VanKlompenberg, said in a statement that she could witness his commitment and growth as a student and a person. “Erick was a ‘Dreamer’ in every sense,” she continued. “He aspired to become an engineer even though obtaining an education had not been easy, due to his immigration status. His freshman year in college, he paid out of pocket even though he was classified as an out-ofstate student. This was one of the many sacrifices that he was willing to make to succeed.” Ordonez Huerta’s sister described him as creative, an artist and a cook who “had (Photo Special to SanTan Sun News)
Erick Ordonez Huerta was an avid dancer who loved anime.
many talents.” He loved anime, especially Pokemon and Dragon Ball Z. see
ERICK page 9
Chandler’s Real Estate Team
1
#
www.AmyJonesGroup.com SEE WHY ON PAGE 13!
See WHY on page 18
Pro golfer Phil Mickelson is part of an ownership group set to acquire Ocotillo Golf Resort, one of the East Valley’s premier courses. Mickelson, who owns seven other courses across Arizona, will take over from Chandler residents and longtime owners Bernard and Debra Hoogestraat. Located in the heart of South Chandler near Alma School and Ocotillo roads, the course is one of four located in Chandler, with the others being Bear Creek Golf Complex, Lone Tree Golf Club and the Crowne Plaza San Marcos Golf Resort. The 27-hole course boasts scenic lakes, plush green fairways, and a restaurant, Bernard’s. The course also hosts various events, including tournaments, charity events, and weddings. With the acquisition of the Ocotillo Golf Resort, Mickelson and his associates will own eight Arizona courses. The group’s portfolio includes the Stone Canyon Club in Oro Valley, McDowell Mountain Golf Club in Scottsdale, and the Palm Valley Golf Club in Goodyear, among others.
Mickelson’s connection to the Valley spans decades. Following a standout prep career at ASU, Mickelson went on to achieve stardom at the professional level over his 25-year career, winning three Masters Titles and the PGA Championship in 2005. After growing up in San Diego and Scottsdale, Mickelson briefly returned to Arizona as a resident during his professional career. His brother, Tim Mickelson, who is also part of the ownership group, was formerly the golf coach at ASU. Mickelson’s ownership group also includes his agent and coach Steve Loy, as well as Chandler resident and real estate developer Spike Lawrence. Lawrence’s company, Lawrence and Geyser Development, was responsible for developing downtown Ocotillo, located on the corner of Queen Creek and Dobson roads. The 25-acre mixed-use complex features retail and office space. At press time, the deal had not closed, and the sale price had yet to have been publicly announced.
F E AT U R E STO R I E S City embraces automotive tech industry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RE/MAX agents earn achievement awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-backs announce Subway Fan Fest details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fired Pie has opened Mesa location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Best Picture Oscar nominees showing at Harkins Theatres . . . . .
Page 5 business . . . . . . . . . . Page 25 youth . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 30 neighbors . . . . . . . . Page 45 arts . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 57 community . . . . . . .
CLIP IT................................................................ Center Section
More Community . . . . . . 1-20 Business . . . . . . . . 21-27 Youth . . . . . . . . . . 28-35 Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Neighbors . . . . . . 41-56 Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . 57-64 Spirituality . . . . . 65-67 Directory . . . . . . 68-69 Classifieds . . . . . . 70-71 Where to Eat . . . 72-74