Chandler National Little League opening day marks new era
BY TIM J. RANDALL
It does not get any better for a ball player than Opening Day. The freshly mown grass, fans cheering in the stands, the first pitch and the crack of the bat for the initial hit of the season.
The baseball stars of Chandler National Little League (CNLL) returned to the field on Saturday, March 19, at Snedigar Sports Complex in Chandler to kick off the 2016 campaign.
“It was great to have everybody back and playing,” said Doug Brewster, Chandler National North League president. “We are excited to begin the season.”
As with previous years, CNLL offers kids ages 4 to 16 the chance to learn the fundamentals of the timeless sport.
“The founding principle of Little League is to provide an opportunity for every youth a place to play the greatest American pastime: baseball,” Brewster said.
In 2016 that spirit of inclusion takes on a whole new meaning as CNLL adds a new division—the Challenger—to its established categories: Rookie, A ball, AAA ball, Majors, Juniors and Seniors.
“Challenger is a division that allows boys and girls with special needs to experience the game of baseball,” said Brewster. “The manager of the team, Joe Pisano, wanted to bring the division to CNLL, and I said absolutely. This is
really the highlight of the year.”
Challenger has 10 players, but Pisano and Brewster want to expand that number this year and in 2017.
New projects boost Airpark Area
BY SRIANTHI PERERA
Four large office/light industrial projects built speculatively in Chandler’s Airpark Area are ready for tenants. They are estimated to bring more than 2,300 employees to the city. Chandler officials are hoping the projects, all located along Cooper Road from Loop 202 to Germann Road, will add vitality to the city’s youngest employment corridor in the 9-mile master-planned area around Chandler Municipal Airport.
The projects are as follows:
• Mach One (developer Trammell Crow), a 205,000-square-feet business park east of Cooper Road and south of the Santan Loop 202.
• Ascend (developer Irgens Partners) a 400,000-square-feet development located on the northwest corner of Germann and Cooper roads, has completed an 82,000-square-feet building from its first phase.
• Metro Chandler (developers Meritex and Metro Commercial Properties), which has completed two buildings of 122,000 square feet and 89,000 square feet, suitable for light manufacturing, located on the northwest corner of Germann and Cooper roads.
• Tiburon at Chandler Airport (developer Tiburon Development) consists of three buildings, ranging from 24,000 to 28,000 square feet, suitable for light industrial use. To come in its second phase is a threestory building for office use. The development, earlier called Puerto del Viaje, is located on the southeast corner of Germann and Cooper roads.
James Smith, economic development program manager for Chandler, said that the City did not extend any incentives to the developers.
“These developers have shown a strong confidence in this market in
“My son has autism and constantly asks when his team will be playing,” Pisano said. “For obvious reasons, I brought this opportunity to start a
Challenger Division to the CNLL board of directors and was given the support to make it happen
“Bringing this program to CNLL means the world to me because it is allowing us, as an organization, to reach out to a part of our community that doesn’t have many options to get involved in baseball.”
His goal is to offer every child the opportunity to participate in the sport of baseball regardless of ability and limitations. He would like them to learn important life skills through socialization by participating in sports like the strengthening of a player’s selfesteem, the disciplines of teamwork, sportsmanship and fair play.
The Challenger squad will compete every other Saturday against teams from the other divisions.
“They will play a game, but this is really about getting them out on the field to participate,” said Brewster. “It also offers a chance for all of the other CNLL players to open their eyes and know that they don’t have to be afraid to talk to kids with special needs, that it is OK to include them.”
Great stories such as the Challenger team are abundant in CNLL. The 11and 12-year-old players comprising the teams of the Majors division in the league’s North and South brackets will be looking to win their fourth
City’s police officers honored at annual awards ceremony
BY SETH TYLER
Chandler’s finest were honored on Tuesday, March 15, during the police department’s annual awards ceremony at the Chandler Center for the Arts.
This year’s ceremony recognized the extraordinary individual and collaborative accomplishments of more than 80 members of the department in 2015. The professionalism and dedication described below is not unique to these award recipients but is rather the culture of the Chandler Police Department.
Community Project Award
The Community Project Award is presented to an employee who formulates, plans and executes a special community project to advance the department’s mission and goals. This year there were two recipients: Officer Amanda Schlichting and Dispatcher Christina Romero:
When Schlichting learned of a need for volunteers to assist with the 2015 Chandler Senior Center Holiday Dinner, she organized and recruited officers and volunteers. Using social media and reaching out to various department members, she formed a team of 14 to help with the celebration. On Dec. 11, the officers and volunteers attended the 2015 Chandler Senior Center Holiday Dinner. Music, dancing, great food and a visit from Santa were all on the agenda. Officers were able to serve food to more than 100 seniors. Following dinner, officers visited with seniors and some showed off their dance moves.
Schlichting’s intention was simply to provide service to a segment of the population that is sometimes overlooked. However, her actions in leading and organizing the police response not only
The Bulls walk onto the field. See more photos on page 58. STSN photo Tim Sealy
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consecutive Arizona Little League Championship.
“The Chandler National North team won in 2013-2015, which is an amazing accomplishment,” said Brewster. “Maybe this year we will advance all the way to the Little League World Series.” The 2015 team fell one stage short, losing in the regionals.
Win or lose though, players, parents, fans and coaches can be proud of the accomplishments of CNLL with efforts
such as Challenger.
“I believe the most gratifying part of this will be seeing a player make a good throw to another teammate, catch or field the baseball, get a chance to cross home plate scoring a run, or even just hitting a baseball off the tee,” Pisano said. “Everyone should have the opportunity to play the sport of baseball where some of the competitive edge has been replaced with the simple reward of accomplishment.”
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Chandler and in our future,” he said. “They may not fill up right away, but we do believe that there are companies that are going to be interested in being here.”
Mach One developer Trammell Crow held an open house that was attended by nearly 100 brokers. The Class A suburban office spaces could be leased to a single tenant or multi-tenants.
“The type of buildings we have are probably going to attract large, corporate America-type of tenants,” said Joe Ihrke, senior vice president. “We have some prospects looking at the project. We’re actually quite pleased at the amount of activity that the property is generating at this early stage of completion.”
Ihrke said that Trammell Crow selected Chandler for its “extremely strong demographics.
“We feel like the strong demographics of Chandler Gilbert, the strong, highly educated workforce, great school systems, all of that bodes well for employers looking to hire employees,” he said.
Also along Loop 202 and just a block away, Gilbert’s new 250-acre employment center, Rivulon, will eventually construct 3.5 million
square feet of office and retail space. Isagenix, its first large tenant, moved its headquarters from Chandler’s Price Corridor to Rivulon in March.
Is Chandler wary of an over-supply of office space in the area?
Smith does not think so. “One of the things that both developments have going for them is excellent freeway access,” he said, adding that companies increasingly want visibility of their signs from the freeway.
Access to the highly educated population in the Southeast Valley is also on top of the list of attractions, he said.
“We’re all members of GPEC (Greater Phoenix Economic Commission) and we’re all trying to bring economic development to the region as a whole,” Smith said. “And individually, as cities, we definitely try to bring companies and employment to our own cities.”
Moreover, Smith said, Chandler needs new properties to recruit companies to the area.
“If we don’t have inventory, then they pass us up,” he said. “By having them in Chandler on the market ready to be leased, it just really gets us in the game for companies that are looking to be in the region.”
AIRPARK
The ROTC stands tall. Submitted photo
An aerial photo of Mach One, one of the projects ready for tenants at the Airpark Area in Chandler. Submitted photo
APS warns customers to be on the lookout for billing scam
APS is warning its customers to be on the alert for criminals masquerading as APS employees and trying to get them to pay a false electric bill. APS reported a similar scam last fall.
According to APS, residential and small business customers are getting calls threatening to disconnect their electric service unless an outstanding balance is paid. The scammers are using a ghost phone system that appears to be APS on the recipient’s caller ID. The potential victims are instructed to call a toll-free number to pay their electric bill under threat of having service disconnected within the hour.
The number goes to a false phone system that acts and sounds like the actual APS Customer Care Center. Customers are asked to select a number for the service they require, including paying a bill. After selecting the option to pay their bill, the scammer picks up the phone and says, “This is APS, how can I help you?” Payment is then collected by the scammers.
APS security, local law enforcement and the FBI are working to apprehend those
responsible.
To keep customers from becoming a victim of consumer scams, APS has provided the following tips:
• The only valid numbers to the APS Customer Care Center are listed on customer bills and at aps.com.
• If there is ever a question about the validity of an email, website or person claiming to be an APS representative, call the APS Customer Care Center immediately at (602) 371-7171 to verify this information.
• Recognize the signs of a phishing email: mismatched fonts, missing hyperlinks, improper grammar and misspellings.
• Never share credit card information with an unverified source. Customers who pay by credit card at aps.com will be directed to the KUBRA EZ-Pay website that asks them to enter a “captcha” validation code. A “captcha” typically uses a set of letters and numbers that the user is required to manually retype and submit. Any other credit card payment site is fraudulent and should not be used.
Soroptimist of the San Tans holding awards luncheon
Soroptimist International of the San Tans is holding its Live Your Dream Awards luncheon 12 p.m. Thursday, April 21, at the Crowne Plaza San Marcos Golf Resort, One San Marcos Pl., Chandler. Cash grants will be awarded at the luncheon to head-ofhousehold women seeking to improve their lives through education or training.
There are three levels of cash awards, beginning at the local level where award amounts vary. Local-level award recipients become eligible for region-level awards of either $3,000 or $5,000. Region-level award recipients then become eligible to receive one of three international-level awards of $10,000.
“Soroptimist,” which means “best for women” is a volunteer organization of business and professional women dedicated to improve the lives of women and girls locally and throughout the world. The awards are given to assist women who provide the primary source of financial support for their families by giving them
the resources they need to improve their education, skills and employment prospects.
SIST performs community service projects, food and diaper drives, jobhunting workshops and other support to transitional housing/self-sufficiency centers, domestic violence shelters and community food banks. SIST gives over $10,000 annually to charities that support women and children with food, clothing, education, hope and shelter, including literacy and self-sufficiency programs.
Soroptimist members belong to local clubs, which determine the focus of volunteer work and support to their communities. Representatives from other valley organizations who also have done work to support women and children throughout Arizona will be at the luncheon.
The club has been serving the East Valley since 1984 and in addition to local projects advocates on behalf of women’s issues.
Red Cross has significant need for type O negative blood
The American Red Cross has a significant need for type O negative blood donors to donate blood for patients. Type O negative blood can be transfused to patients with any blood type and is often used in emergency situations. While less than 7 percent of the U.S. population has type O negative blood, hospitals depend on frequent O negative donations to ensure it’s always available for patients in need.
Eligible donors with type O negative blood are encouraged to make a whole blood or double red cell donation, where available, through the Red Cross. During a double red cell donation, two units of red blood cells are collected while most of the plasma and platelets are returned to the donor.
“Type O negative donors are an important part of the Red Cross trauma team,” said Nick Gehrig, the Red Cross Blood Services communications director. “While all blood types are needed, type O negative donations are necessary in emergency situations when there is no time to determine a patient’s blood type. Because there is such a high demand for type O negative blood, O negative donors are needed to donate often.”
Because of donors, the Red Cross is able to provide blood products to trauma patients like Carla Randecker. In 1995, a semi-truck failed to halt at a stop sign, changing Randecker’s life
forever. She suffered a broken neck and femur. She awoke from surgery to see a bag of blood attached to her IV.
“I’m O negative, a rarity,” said Randecker. “All I remember was, wow, someone gave their blood for me. I made a promise that day to do the same. When I was well enough, I’d return the favor.”
Randecker became a regular blood donor and gave for many years. This past year, her family fulfilled her wish to give blood together. Five of the family members who gave were type O negative, and since then, donating blood has become a family tradition. “If I teach them nothing else, it’s that they should always, always, do for others,” Randecker said.
The Red Cross must collect approximately 14,000 blood and platelet donations every day for patients at about 2,600 hospitals and transfusion centers nationwide. Blood and platelets are needed to respond to patient emergencies, including accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease.
To make an appointment to give blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit www.redcrossblood. org or call (800) RED CROSS (1-800-7332767). Info: wwww.redcrossblood.org/ RapidPass.
ICAN to receive matching donations on Arizona Gives Day
ICAN Chandler is asking for help to win on Arizona Gives Day 2016, which takes place Tuesday, April 5 and is a statewide initiative for individuals to show their support to Arizona nonprofits through small, but meaningful, financial contributions. Donors give through the Arizona Gives Day website and select which nonprofit will receive their donation. First Credit Union is partnering with ICAN on Arizona Gives Day and will match all donations up to $2,000. In addition, if ICAN receives the most donations in the amount of $25 between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. it will receive a $1,000 bonus. Also, Flipside is donating a $10 gift card to ICAN youth for every $25 donation received. Donations can be made online at www.icanaz.org/ arizonagivesday.
ICAN hosts wellness fair
Also, ICAN: Positive Programs for Youth will host its annual wellness fair, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, April 15, at 650 E. Morelos St. The event is presented by Dignity Health. The fair is free and will feature more than 15 vendors offering community services and resources about health and wellness. There will also be youth performances, a family craft activity, raffle and prizes as well as a family picnic for dinner.
SFR-SanTan-halfpg-03102016-PRINT.pdf 1 3/10/16 2:34 PM
ICAN is a free, family-centered youth service in the East Valley that provides programs to equip youth to achieve personal and academic success by tackling substance abuse, gang involvement and juvenile delinquency. Info: (480) 821-4207 or www.icanaz.org.
Apache Park improvements is meeting topic
A second neighborhood meeting to discuss planned improvements to Apache Park in Central Chandler is being held 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 7, at Knox Elementary School, 700 W. Orchid Lane, in Chandler. The design firm of Gavan & Barker Inc. was hired to design the improvements.
Apache Park was constructed in 1977 and is located west of Hartford Street and south of Knox Road. Planned improvements include relocation of
sand volleyball courts, expansion of the playground, new shade canopies at the playground, ramada replacements, alterations to existing racquetball courts, new lighting, irrigation, American with Disabilities Act accessibility improvements and landscaping. An initial meeting held last October to obtain input from park users was attended by more than a dozen residents. Info: (480) 782-2752.
Blood donations needed because of Zika virus risk
Additional donors in Arizona are needed to take the place of those who are not eligible to give blood because of the Zika travel deferral. Due to Arizona’s proximity to the Mexico border, donations at blood drives in Yuma County have dropped by approximately 36 percent, while three other blood drives were canceled because of the low number of eligible donors.
As part of a national effort to supply blood to Puerto Rico—one of the U.S. territories hardest hit by the Zika virus— United Blood Services/Arizona has been shipping units of red cells, platelets and plasma to Puerto Rico and is expected to continue to do so for the next several weeks.
To maintain a safe blood supply, UBS requires that donors who have returned from an area where Zika is present wait 28 days before giving blood. These areas include Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean (including Puerto Rico) and the Atlantic and Pacific Islands.
UBS encourages blood donors to visit the Chandler Donor Center, 1989 W. Elliot Rd., 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. All blood types are needed, but Type O-negative is in greatest demand.
To make an appointment, call (877) UBS-HERO or visit wwwBloodHero.com.
Experience why Serenity is THE HOTTEST SELLING COMMUNITY in the Southeast Valley
First Credit Union is partnering with ICAN on Arizona Gives Day and will match all donations up to $2,000. Submitted photo
provided an opportunity for various officers to interact in a positive atmosphere with the people they serve and protect, but also built on the department’s relationship of trust with the community.
On Dec. 19, the communications division hosted the second annual SEEDS Christmas Event to benefit families affected by domestic violence. With the holidays quickly approaching and no plans in the works, Romero organized the event. She spent countless hours obtaining funding, soliciting donations, planning activities, recruiting volunteers, purchasing and preparing supplies and setting up.
Twelve families, including 21 children, attended the event and enjoyed face painting, picture frame decorating, ornament making, exploring a patrol car and the SAU TK-4, games and visiting with Santa, Mrs. Claus and the Disney Princesses. At the end of the event, each mother was given a gift certificate for pampering at a local beauty school, and each family received a gift basket filled with items ranging from movies, snacks, gift cards, movies, board games and baking materials.
The event was a huge success thanks to the team of volunteers, led by Romero. It was not just a Christmas party, but a way to spread cheer to those going through difficult times. Rumero displayed initiative, leadership and dedication in planning and organizing every detail of this event. Without her, this event may not have been possible.
Community Service Award
The Community Service Award is presented to an employee who displays extraordinary efforts in serving the community over a period of one year that includes at least one instance of formulating, planning and executing a special community project to advance the department’s mission and goals. The recipient of the Community Service Award was Officer Mary “Molly” O’Neill: In the spring of 2015, O’Neill was a member of the Arizona Police Unity Tour in Washington, D.C. Prior to the tour, she trained by cycling countless miles per week. Just before the event, she experienced a medical issue that would have caused most to terminate involvement in anything so physically demanding. She refused to let her team down. She rode, demonstrating her strength and perseverance.
In December, Molly was an active
participant in the 911 Toy Drive, ensuring that many less fortunate children had toys at Christmas. She also identified additional families in need and coordinated acquisition and distribution of presents for them. Most significantly, in the fall she planned a fundraiser for the 2016 Police Unity Tour by coordinating location, static displays, recruitment opportunities, raffles and appearances by super heroes. She also handled publicity through print and social media. With participation by both Chandler and Gilbert police departments, the event raised $3,000 for the Tour.
Unit Citation Award
The Unit Citation Award is presented to a department team or unit whose actions consistently exceed normal job requirements with at least one duty-related act of outstanding performance over a year. This year, the department awarded the Unit Citation Award to four recipients—the Gang Enforcement Unit, the Professional Standards Section, the Field Training Officers and the Forensic Services Section.
Meritorious Service Award
The Meritorious Service Award is given to a member who consistently exceeds normal job requirements with at least one duty-related act of outstanding performance over a year. This may include a member proceeding with a predetermined plan, program, investigation or official act that exemplifies the mission and goals of the Chandler Police Department. For their actions in 2015, the department awarded five recipients—crime scene technician Kristilyn Baldwin, Detective Beth Hill, Officer Mike McCartney and Sgt. Doug Scholz, and Officer Darrin Vigesaa. Creating a comprehensive training program for new crime scene technicians was something many people in the Crime Scene Unit felt was necessary. Baldwin was the one who took on this challenge. She focused on creating a better crime scene technician through organized, comprehensive and efficient training. Baldwin was the driving force in promoting these changes to the existing training program. The result was the creation of a new, efficient and comprehensive training program consisting of individual modules, guides, lesson plans, practical application, evaluations, and competency and proficiency tests. It is formatted for consistency in training that allows for instructor individuality while providing
structure and set objectives with provisions for future revisions and modifications. She spent countless hours organizing, writing and planning 20 weeks of extensive crime scene training. In addition, she spent time training some of the modules.
In fall 2015, Hill began an investigation into an organized retail theft ring that was responsible for over $80,000 worth of thefts from local retailers over two years. After securing the arrests of the four suspects, Hill identified the fencing operation where the stolen products were purchased then resold.
Hill discovered the fencing operation was actually a makeshift store in a private residence. Based on Hill’s investigation, a search warrant was executed and three people were taken into custody. Approximately $100,000 worth of stolen property was recovered, and approximately $56,000 in cash was seized.
From Nov. 11 through Nov. 19, the department held its first Basic SWAT Operator School. A school of this magnitude, in an area of high liability, presents numerous logistical challenges for those responsible for planning it, especially because it was the first of its kind for the department. Scholz and McCartney developed the two-week curriculum of training topics for SWAT operators. They also taught several of the classes and were present throughout the entire school. Their presence demonstrated their commitment by providing the students with a wealth of experience.
During 2015, Vigesaa was involved in high-profile cases that earned him a letter of commendation. He consistently exhibited qualities and attributes that are desired in a patrolman to include a knowledge and command of police authority, tactics, communication and reporting.
Vigesaa is truly a model police officer. He voluntarily represented the department in the annual 9/11 Healing Fields where a writer for the U.S. Department of Defense monthly newsletter interviewed him due to his professional demeanor and appearance.
Vigesaa led his patrol team in “on-view” activity, field interviews, consensual contacts and calls for service. He exceeded standards in three of the five primary job functions for his annual evaluation. He frequently selfdispatches to calls for service in his own and adjacent beats. His teammates have shared their admiration for his efficient manner and Vigesaa frequently can be found giving direction and advice to new officers.
Patrol Team of the Year Award
Each year, the department recognizes a patrol team for excellence in areas of beat problem identifications and solutions, proactive actions, self-initiated activity, major case investigations and solutions, calls for service and community service. The 2015 recipient of the Patrol Team of the Year Award was Team 2:
Patrol Team 2 works out of the Desert Breeze Precinct. They patrol beats one through six. Throughout the year, Team 2 worked as a cohesive unit to solve and deter crime. Most importantly, they developed a keen interest in the quality of life of the citizens they serve.
Team 2 began the year by identifying personal areas of interest for career enhancement. Together, Team 2 developed plans to enhance its careers through training and practical experience. They began to identify needs within the community that would improve the relationships between police and the community as well as directly impact and improve the lives of those affected.
Team 2 initiated the first Public Mental Health Fair in September. The event included more than 20 mental health service providers with attendance by over 100 citizens as well as police officers from other agencies. The intent of the Mental Health Fair was to provide families with options, resources and information to help them and their loved ones suffering from mental illness and elevate their quality of life through education and awareness.
In October, Team 2 organized a business outreach event that was held at the Chandler Fashion Center. The event attracted merchants and loss prevention employees from the center and the stores surrounding it with the intent to network, educate and provide resources to retail stores on laws, the role and relationship of merchant and police, and the role and relationship between merchant, mall security and police.
Finally, Team 2 collected toys through the 911 Toy Drive and from merchants who wanted to donate toys as a result of the business outreach event. The team identified 12 families in need and provided toys to the children.
Civilian Supervisor of the Year Award and Sworn Supervisor of the Year Award
The Civilian Supervisor of the Year Award and Sworn Supervisor of the Year Award are presented to supervisors for distinguished supervision and leadership over a year that is clearly exceptional. The 2015 recipient of the Civilian Supervisor of the Year Award is property and evidence supervisor Kenneth Thatcher. This year’s Sworn Supervisor of the Year Award recipient is Sgt. Brett Lockwood: Thatcher continues to distinguish himself by providing strong leadership, by being a property and evidence subject matter expert, and by being a champion and adviser to police employee families when tragedies occur. Thatcher is an expert in many areas. He also works as a liaison to assist employees with their worker’s compensation issues. His detailed understanding of the rules and processes continue to help employees when needed. Thatcher has accepted the assignment to assist families of officers and employees who have died or are severely injured. He is available and answers their many questions on benefits, insurance issues and payments. He assists by completing the many forms and reports, so that the family doesn’t have to. This allows the surviving families to focus on dealing with the tragedy, not the red tape.
Officers Matt Cacciola, Irwin Wierzbicki, Judy Crosson and Josh Pueblo were awarded the Medal of Valor for their exceptional bravery & courage under fire during their encounter with a serial bank robbery suspect.
His efforts and assistance during this time of grief have been a huge relief and blessing for them.
Lockwood has been the supervisor of the Field Training Unit since January 2015. During his tenure, the department has been busy training new officers and supervisors. Over the past year, Lockwood has not only restructured and set new standards for the field training officer (FTO) team, but he has done so while balancing the added responsibilities of SWAT sergeant and those associated with his role for new hire oral boards.
As the field training sergeant, he significantly restructured the program by revamping all the weekly officer-in-training checklists, written tests and scenarios.
Lockwood also recruited and selected new field training officers, added several satellite FTO positions and implemented new programs.
In 2015, the field training officer trained 45 new officers. For Lockwood, this meant he was directly responsible for supervising, leading and mentoring 14 full-time field training officers and 45 new officers, for 16 to 20 weeks. During this same period, Lockwood also supervised part of the SWAT team.
Lockwood volunteered to sit on all new hire oral boards for the position of lateral officer and police recruit. He did this quietly and without expectation of recognition because he feels very strongly about the caliber of officers this agency hires.
Officer of the Year
The Officer of the Year Award is presented to an officer for distinguished service in any police assignment in a year. This person is clearly exceptional and places the recipient in a position above other members of the same rank. Officer Jose Angulo is the 2015 recipient of the Officer of the Year Award.
Angulo was a lateral to the Chandler Police Department in November 2014. During his field training, Angulo distinguished himself as a hard-working, highly competent officer who consistently received high marks and praise from his field training officers. In 2015, Angulo was assigned to work a graveyard shift in the Chandler Heights Precinct.
In 2015, Angulo took disposition on 836 calls, many of which he found through proactive patrol and traffic enforcement. He also made 370 traffic contacts. It should be noted that the average number of calls for service handled by an officer during 2015 was 329, and the average for traffic stops made by an officer was 102. Angulo logged 366 arrests for the year.
Angulo is known for his calm demeanor and willingness to assist other officers with investigations. He has carried out his duties in a respectful, professional manner recognized throughout the department and by the citizens of Chandler.
Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is awarded to a member of the department who demonstrates gallantry and extraordinary heroism. The act must go beyond normal demands and be fully aware of the imminent threat to personal safety. Officer Chip Sykes is the lone 2015 recipient of the Medal of Honor Award.
On Dec. 30, Sikes responded to a burglary-in-progress to a residence on West Venus Way. While en route, he observed the suspect fleeing from the neighborhood with stolen goods. When the suspect saw the arriving police vehicle, he dropped the stolen property and fled back towards the house.
Sikes followed the suspect and saw him run into the open garage and into the house. While he was clearing the garage and coordinating the response of other responding officers, Sykes was met by the parents living in the house. He escorted them across the street to safety and learned that their two young sons were still in the home.
Sikes did not know if the suspect was armed or what his state of mind or intent may have been. He did know there was no time to wait for other officers or establish a threat assessment. Sikes only knew that those two young boys were in a home with a strange man who very likely could do them harm.
Without hesitation, Sikes entered the home, calling out for the boys as he went up the stairs to their bedrooms. He found the boys, who had been hiding after seeing the suspect. He took both boys in his arms and ran them out of the house and to their parents.
Once he safely reunited the family, Sykes turned his attention back to coordinating a perimeter, communicating with his supervisor, and holding the front of the house secure in case the suspect reemerged. He spent the next several hours at the house as the primary negotiator for the subsequent SWAT callout.
The suspect did arm himself with multiple baseball bats as he barricaded himself in the house. Once the SWAT team made entry, it was confronted with heavy and aggressive resistance. The suspect fought furiously, injuring members of the entry team, and only being restrained with the use of a police K9. The actions of the suspect against heavily armed SWAT operators affirms Sikes’ decision to act as quickly as he did in rescuing those two small boys from a dangerous felon.
Medal of Valor
The Medal of Valor is considered to be the highest award that can be granted by the Chandler Police Department. It is awarded to a member for exceptional bravery at the imminent risk of life or serious bodily injury. The recipient must demonstrate exceptional courage by performing a voluntary action in an extremely dangerous situation. For 2015, nine department members were recipients—Sgt. Jesus Deanda, Sgt. Melissa Deanda and officers Philip Robinson, Steve Waters, Matthew Cacciola, Judy Crosson, Josh Pueblo and Irwin Wierzbicki. Congratulations to all award recipients in their extraordinary efforts to keep the community safe.
Mayor Jay Tibshraeny was on-hand to help Celebrate Chandler’s Finest
City of Chandler Insider
Recreation swim teams develop potential in addition to skills
Chandler youth interested in the City’s summer recreation swim team program can register Monday, April 11; registration for nonresidents begins Monday, April 18.
Teams of swimmers with names like the Mesquite Sting Rays, West Chandler Hammerheads, Arrowhead Dolphins and Arrowhead Sea Lions train to compete in the East Valley Swim Conference, which includes teams from Ahwatukee, Val Vista Lakes, the City of Tempe and
others. A highlight of the program is participation in the Swimmer’s Classic Recreation Swim Meet to be held Saturday, July 23, in Mesa, hosted by the Arizona Parks and Recreation Association.
The six-week program is open to children and teens ages 5 1/2 to 18 years old and is designed to enhance the physical and mental fitness of participants while building confidence and self-esteem. Coaches teach
swim skills, rules, teamwork and sportsmanship through organized training, self-discipline and hard work that helps youth realize their full potential.
“I have found them to be very caring and willing to work with swimmers of all abilities,” said Pauline Gray, team mom for the last 10 years. “They have helped my daughters develop a love of swimming and given them lots of great summer memories.”
Participants must be able to perform the freestyle, backstroke and breaststroke with some proficiency and have completed the American Red Cross swimming ability equivalent to the City’s Fish class. One morning and three evening programs are offered at a cost of $51 for residents and $69 for nonresidents.
Info: www.chandleraz.gov/aquatics or (480) 782-2756.
Dr. Jonathan Koerperick
Coaches teach swim skills, rules, teamwork and sportsmanship through organized training, self-discipline and hard work that helps youth realize their full potential. Submitted photo
City of Chandler Insider
EMPLOYEE PROFILE
Denise Underwood, head swim coach
Denise Underwood greets you with a smile and firm handshake. She looks you in the eyes when speaking to you, laughs easily and has an air of confidence that comes from years of experience and a love of her job. She is the head swim coach for Chandler’s popular Recreation Swim Team Program.
Underwood is as comfortable in the water as she is on land. Maybe more so. She has been part of Chandler Aquatics for 25 years, back when the City had just two public pools; Arrowhead and Folley. Today there are six.
Underwood answered an ad for a swim coach the City published in the local paper. The year was 1991, shortly after she moved to Arizona from Nebraska where she swam as a youngster, participated in swim clubs and went on to swim in high school and college. She has helped build the swim team program into one of Chandler Aquatics’ most popular programs.
“When I first started, I was told we were lucky if 80 kids signed up and 60 of them stayed,” Underwood said. “I said ‘this needs to be bigger.’ Now we have about 650 kids in the program.”
The six-week program runs June through mid-July and is open to children and teens ages 5 1/2 to 18 years old and is designed to teach basic competitive
swimming skills, build self-esteem and improve a child’s swim stroke. It’s also designed to have fun.
“I consider it my playtime,” said Underwood, smiling. “Even though I’ve been doing it for 25 years and I know exactly what it is I’m doing; I still get butterflies. I love it!”
Underwood’s love of coaching translates into some imaginative ways to keep students engaged.
“One of my coaches owns a mermaid suit, so in the morning before the younger kids get there I have her in the pool off to the side out of view,” Underwood explained. “My back is towards the mermaid and once she hears me talking, this tail suddenly appears behind me, then goes back under. The kids say ‘did you see that?,’ but I pretend to know nothing of what they’re talking about...then the tail comes up again!”
In addition to mermaids, pirates show up during children’s lessons at Arrowhead Pool where kids dive for treasure. On the Fourth of July the pool is adorned in red, white and blue and swimmers play a variety of games. It is fun for both students and coaches.
“If I have a staff that enjoys being there, it’s going to make it more fun,” Underwood said. “I use the things that are going to bring the kids back.”
DEADLINES FOR SANTAN SUN NEWS: APRIL 16
The deadline for news and advertising is 12 p.m. Thursday, April 7, for the Saturday, April 16, 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 popularity of Chandler’s swim team program has a lot to do with Underwood’s coaching philosophy.
“I think being in a fun environment helps put kids at ease,” she said. “We do have structure, you have to have structure, but more importantly I try to put those kids at ease to be themselves and encourage them so they leave the program with more confidence than when they walked in.”
That confidence has led many of her students to go on to swim competitively in swim clubs, in high school and college. One of them, Ashley Chandler, a 2002 graduate of Chandler High School, wound up qualifying twice for the U S. Olympic Trials. Underwood tells a funny story about Chandler competing in Australia at a complex coincidentally named the Chandler Aquatic Centre.
“The commentators were saying, ‘Ashley Chandler from Chandler, Arizona; they must have named the town after her.’ It became this very comical thing at the time...Ashley Chandler who attended Chandler High School in Chandler, Arizona.”
Underwood said some of her former students now work in the Chandler Aquatics Program. She sees others at club meets and during the high school swim season. She gets invited to some of their
Denise Underwood has been working for the Chandler Aquatics Program for 25 years. Submitted photo
weddings and is beginning to see some familiar-looking faces in her pool.
“A couple of years ago a woman came up to me and asked how long I’ve been coaching,” Underwood said. “Turns out I was her swim coach when she was a child and she now has six children. That summer I ended up having three of her kids on the team.”
Info: www.chandleraz.gov/aquatics or (480) 782-2756.
Residents needed to serve on boards
Residents interested in serving on Chandler’s Health Care Benefits Trust Board and Worker’s Compensation and Employer Liability Trust Board are invited to apply for consideration. Applicants must have expertise in finance, employee benefits or health care administration.
The five residents who are appointed will serve three-year terms on both boards. Members will provide financial oversight and guidance of both the health care and
worker’s compensation and employer liability trust funds by evaluating claim expenses and reserve amounts.
There will be eight meetings required each year, and each meeting would last for approximately two hours. Meetings are held at Chandler’s City Council conference room, 88 E. Chicago St. Info: (480) 782-2180. To submit an online application: www.chandleraz.gov/bdapp.
POWWOW in Chandler
Produce On Wheels Without Waste (POWWOW) distributes fresh produce in a farmers market atmosphere. The purpose of the event is to reach out to the community by providing quality produce at an affordable price. A $10 donation is good for up to 60 pounds of produce. Six to eight different varieties are usually available.
Produce On Wheels Without Waste is held on the second Saturday of the month from November through May. The next scheduled event is from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Saturday, April 9, in the parking lot of Desert Palms Church, 4265 S. Arizona Ave. The food goes quickly, so get there early. For more information, visit www. Facebook.com/POWWOWatDPC.
Chandler roadways are being slurry sealed
Sections of Elliot Road and Dobson Road in Chandler are being slurry sealed through the end of April. All streets will remain open to traffic during the work, but lane restrictions will occur.
A coating of asphalt emulsion mixed with aggregate is being applied to portions
of Elliot Road between Price Road and Chandler’s City limits east of Arizona Avenue. Dobson Road is being slurry sealed between the Loop 202 Santan Freeway and the city’s southern limits south of Ocotillo Road.
Info: (480) 782-3500 or www.chandleraz. gov/transportation.
Police seek public’s help in finding robbery suspect
Chandler police are asking for the public’s help to identify a woman who attempted to commit a robbery at a CVS Pharmacy at 1015 E. Ray Rd. around 3:20 p.m. Sunday, March 20, and also a Papa Murphy’s in the same area around 1:25 p.m. The suspect was described as a white female in her 20s with a thin build and dark hair pulled back into a pony tail.
The woman was also involved in a robbery in Chandler around 12:15 p.m. Friday, March 18, at the Water & Ice store at 1070 E. Ray Rd.
No weapon was displayed during these crimes.
Anyone with information is asked to call (480) 782-4130.
Chandler Fire, Health & Medical department receives equipment
The Chandler Fire, Health & Medical Department has received wildland gear and two automated external defibrillators worth $10,865 from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation.
The wildland gear, which includes brush shirts and shelters, will provide firefighters protection while fighting wildfires. The AEDs will be used to provide lifesaving assistance when an individual goes into cardiac arrest.
Each Firehouse Subs restaurant recycles leftover, five-gallon pickle buckets, available to guests for a $2 donation to its foundation. Donation canisters on register counters explain the nonprofit’s mission and collect spare change, while guests are also able to round up their bill to the nearest dollar. All funds raised benefit the foundation. Info: www.firehousesubs.com/ foundation.
Chandler Police are looking for a woman who attempted to rob a CVS Pharmacy on March 20. Submitted photo
Stop by and see for yourself!
Nestled at the base of the San Tan Mountains this premier master planned community offers 12 miles of walking trails, a neighborhood park, and a beautifully designed neighborhood clubhouse. With four distinct collections to choose from, Discovery II, Encore II, Passage, and Summit, you’re sure to find an ideal place to call home. Drop by and tour our 9 model homes today!
Priced from the mid $200s
Chandler City Council approves office building development
The Chandler City Council has approved an agreement with the Ryan Companies US Inc., to develop a 4.25-acre parcel located across from City Hall on the northwest corner of Chicago Street and Arizona Avenue. The mixed-use project will consist of two office buildings and a parking garage, plus restaurant and commercial retail space. The council also approved:
• the demolition and reconstruction of a building at 111 W. Boston St. at a taller height. The new building would have two floors and a rooftop deck for a restaurant/bar and cigar lounge.
• a hotel and retail shops on approximately four acres on the south side of Chandler Boulevard, west of Chandler Village Drive. The plan includes a four-story hotel with swimming pool, sun deck, fire pit, outdoor dining patio, fitness facility, lobby, business center, board room and breakfast area. In addition, there would be two single-story retail/restaurant buildings.
The council also:
• passed a resolution setting Tuesday, Aug. 30, as the date of Chandler’s primary election to elect three council members and established Monday, Aug. 1, as the last
day residents can register to vote in the primary. Candidates may file nomination materials at the City Clerk’s Office beginning Monday, May 2, but no later than 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 1.
• approved a charter school, Legacy Traditional School, to be located near the southwest corner of McQueen and Warner roads.
• approved an emergency expenditure of $116,000 to repair a Chandler fire engine that experienced a catastrophic mechanical failure of its drivetrain and rear suspension.
Mayor Jay Tibshraeny and Councilwoman Nora Ellen presented employees of the City’s Budget Office with the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association. It is the 28th consecutive year Chandler has received the award, which reflects the commitment of staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting.
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.
Child abuse prevention is discussion topic
Owen Fabert will discuss child abuse prevention after the next luncheon of the Sisterhood, 11:30 a.m. Friday, May 13, in the Bradford Room of the Oakwood clubhouse, 24218 S. Oakwood Blvd., Sun Lakes. Cost is $22.
Lunch will consist of cranberry chicken on a croissant, side salad, flourless butterscotch torte dessert and coffee, and iced tea.
To RSVP: call Margo at (480) 895-3226 before May 4.
Social networking tool brings neighbors together
A neighborhood networking tool that connects people based on where they live is growing in popularity in Chandler and across the country. Nextdoor.com was introduced to the community by Mayor Jay Tibshraeny at a 2013 Mayor’s Listening Tour, and since that time, has grown to include nearly 16,000 Chandler households and more than 220 neighborhoods. Residents can use Nextdoor to create their own neighborhood websites to easily communicate with one another. The website is accessible only to
residents of that neighborhood and members must provide residential verification before they can join. Once verified, members can communicate privately with one another, sharing information about block parties, lost dogs, burglaries and other topics.
More than 93,000 neighborhoods across the country currently use the service.
“We are looking to help residents get to know their neighbors and foster a sense of community,” Mayor Tibshraeny said. “We are very excited about this communitybuilding tool and encourage residents to learn more about it.”
Only about 20 percent of Americans say they spend time with their neighbors, according to a 2015 General Social Survey conducted by the National Opinion Research
Chandler ranked No. 25 for raising a family
Chandler was ranked No. 25 out of 474 cities in a study by Apartment List of the best U.S. cities for young families. Chandler’s best category was housing cost, where it was given a score of 96 percent. In the safety category, Chandler received a score of 73 percent.
The analysis centered around four factors that Apartment List identified as being important to families:
• Safety: FBI data was used to rank cities by the number of violent crimes and property crimes per 100,000 residents.
• Housing Cost: Apartment List used census
data to calculate the percentage of the median renter income required to rent a two-bedroom apartment.
• School Quality: Cities were ranked on their high school graduation rate for public school districts based in that city.
• Child Friendliness: Apartment List used census data to score cities based on the percentage of the population that’s under 18 years old.
Nationwide, Allen, Texas ranked No. 1 overall, with Indianapolis and Dallas suburbs performing exceptionally well.
Nonprofit offers information on hearing service dog training
Kristi Nolde-Morrissey, founder of Diamond Dogz of Arizona, will discuss what dogs and handlers need to learn and how dogs are taught, 12:45 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, April 14, at the Ed Robson Branch Library, Lecky Center, 9330 E. Riggs Rd., Sun Lakes.
Diamond Dogz is an all-volunteer
nonprofit organization dedicated to the training and certification of hearing service dogs.
Real-time captioning will be provided and the meeting room is looped for hearing accessibility. Parking is available in the church lot next to the library. Refreshments will be offered.
Community garage sale set
Countryside Estates is holding a community garage sale 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, April 9, at the northeast corner of Chandler Heights and Cooper roads.
Center, and nearly a third of the population reports no interaction whatsoever with the people who live nearby.
A partnership with Nextdoor has enabled the City to post messages to specifi c neighborhoods’ community pages. The City, including public safety, neighborhood programs, the Mayor and Council Offi ce and Public Works, can see responses when users comment on City posts, but no one at the City can see posts written by other neighborhood users. Examples of information sent by the City to Nextdoor users includes public safety messages, notifi cations of roadwork and public meetings, requests for volunteers, special events and surveys involving planning eff orts and budgeting.
To get started, download the free Nextdoor app or visit the Nextdoor.com website. The site verifies your address and directs you to the Nextdoor network in your neighborhood. If there isn’t one, Nextdoor gives you the option to start one and invite your neighbors. Once in, you can and receive messages from neighbors. It’s a great tool to interact with neighbors, and hopefully, will encourage introductions and new relationships!
Registration now open for Traditional Neighborhood
Academy
Residents of traditional (non-home owners association) neighborhoods are becoming more engaged and addressing issues that negatively impact them thanks to a series of interactive workshops known as Chandler’s Traditional Neighborhood Academy. The free Academy provides a series of educational courses, resources and tools for residents of neighborhoods that don’t fall under HOA rule.
During the month-long program, participants will take an inventory of neighborhood conditions and identify characteristics that make the neighborhood desirable and those posing challenges. An action plan is developed to promote the positive and tackle the negative. Issues ranging from parking and maintenance to signage and safety get addressed. In addition, participants discuss neighborhood identity and brainstorm concepts for logos and neighborhood identifi cation signs that promote a sense of community.
Neighborhood survey results, action plans and logos from dozens of traditional neighborhoods who have participated in the Academy can be found online at chandleraz.gov/neighborsinaction.
The Traditional Neighborhood Academy consists for four workshops beginning Thursday, April 14, and continues every Thursday thereafter through May 5. Classes are held from 6-8 p.m. at Chandler City Hall, second fl oor, Training Room A, located at 175 S. Arizona Ave.
Applications will be accepted until the start date. For more information or to register, email cristabel. dykstra@chandleraz.gov, or call 480-782-4354.
Chandler police awards
The Chandler Police Department held its annual awards ceremony on Tuesday, March 15, at the Chandler Center for the Arts. Employees from all sections of the department were honored for their commitment to the community, leadership and bravery.
Chief Sean Duggan kicked off the evening with some opening remarks.
Executive Officer Bryan Cox was the emcee.
Community Project Award recipient Officer Amanda Schlichting is congratulated by Duggan.
Dispatcher Christina Romero was awarded the Community Project Award for her work with victims of domestic violence.
Community Service Award recipient Officer Mary (Molly) O’Neill accepts her award from Duggan.
Assistant Chief Jason Zdilla reflects on the accomplishments of the past year.
Lt. Dave Ramer shares a lighter moment with the crowd.
Officer Chip Sykes was the department’s Medal of Honor recipient for his quick thinking and heroic acts during a burglary.
Officer Michael McCartney and Sgt. Doug Scholz were awarded the Meritorious Service Award for their efforts in the organization and implementation of the department’s first SWAT school.
Crime Scene Technician Kristilyn Baldwin was a recipient of the Meritorious Service Award for her work implementing a training program for new crime scene technicians.
Officer of the Year Jose Angulo is congratulated by Duggan.
Property & Evidence Supervisor Kenneth Thatcher was this year’s recipient of the Civilian Supervisor of the Year Award.
fun
Swim Team Prep Academy is four Saturdays
Chandler Aquatics is offering a new Swim Team Prep Academy in April and May for youth looking to participate in this summer’s Recreation Swim Team Program. The classes are fast-paced, fun and will help participants build strength and stamina, ensuring readiness for the recreation swim team.
The academy will help improve a student’s swimming skills and endurance and focuses on stroke techniques and mechanics, emphasizing proper body position on the front and back stroke and development of a strong flutter, breaststroke and dolphin kick.
Registration is open to youth between the ages of 5 1/2 and 18 years old and participants must be able to perform
M.D.
Dental Implants
the freestyle and backstroke with some proficiency and have completed the American Red Cross swimming ability equivalent to the City’s Fish class.
Children eight and under must be able to swim continuously for 25 yards of freestyle with rotary breathing. Youth 9 to 18 years old must be able to swim continuously for 50 yards with rotary breathing.
The academy will be held Saturday mornings at Arrowhead Pool, 1475 W. Erie St., from Saturday, April 30, through Saturday, May 21, at a cost of $17 for residents and $23 for non-residents. Info: www.chandleraz.gov/aquatics or (480) 782-2756.
LENDING A HELPING HAND
Safeway manager Matt Clarke presents a check for $1,500 to Sun Lakes Fire Department Capt. Mike Molite, who is the treasurer of the Sun Lakes Emergency Relief Fund run by its union. The grant underwrote SLFD’s expenditures for cooking at the annual Art at the Lakes. This allowed the firefighters to retain that amount in their fund to help people in need. Molite thanked Safeway for its generosity and community involvement. Pictured left to right are firefighter Ray Franco, Molite, Clarke and firefighter Andrew Beadle.
Permanent solution to tooth loss
People who have lost teeth might often feel too self-conscious to smile or talk in public. Additionally, early tooth loss can change eating habits and facial appearance and lead to secondary health problems.
Although you have a number of options for the replacement of missing teeth, none have proven to be as functionally effective and durable as dental implants. In many cases, dental implants are the only logical choice for the restoration of all necessary functioning of the teeth and supporting structures; dental implants provide a simple remedy with proven results.
Dental implants are stronger and more durable than bridges and dentures. Implants offer a permanent solution to tooth loss and are changing the way people live. They are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth which look, feel and function like natural teeth. They are proven to preserve the jaw bone, gums and the adjacent natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything, knowing that their teeth appear natural and that their facial contours will be preserved. We offer state-of-the-art technologies and Dr. Shah is constantly implementing the latest techniques to provide you with the best care available.
Patients who come to us can smile with confidence. For a consultation, please call Dr. Shah at 480.814.9500. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Board Certified, American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
Nish Shah, D.M.D.,
Swim Team Prep Academy classes in April and May will be fast-paced,
and will help participants build strength and stamina, ensuring readiness for the recreation swim team. Submitted photo
Photo by Brian Curry
Former union service representative will discuss wage equality
Dave Martin, a retired union service representative, will talk about unions in Arizona and wage equality and the minimum wage at the next meeting of the Sun Lakes Democratic Club, 7 p.m. Monday, April 11, in the Navajo Room of the Sun Lakes Country Club, 25601 Sun Lakes Blvd.
Bill Mundell and Tom Chabin, Democratic candidates for the Corporation Commission, Jennifer Pawlik, candidate for the Arizona House, and Steve Weichert, candidate for the Arizona Senate, will also give presentations.
Nonperishable food items are collected prior to all club meetings in the west parking lot from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. for the Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank. There is also a collection box at the north entrance of the Sun Lakes Sunset Grill lobby. The amount collected in February was 232 pounds of food and $20. The total collected in 2015 was 2,310 pounds of food and $686.
Sun Lakes Democratic Club meetings are on the second Monday of each month. Refreshments are served. Info: call Tom Amrhein at (480) 895-1162.
Matt Eberle to run for Chandler City Council
Matt Eberle, a Chandler resident, announced his candidacy for the position of Chandler city councilman.
Eberle has been active in the community for years and is known for his professionalism and civility. His record of service includes several business and nonprofit boards and organizations across Chandler and the metro Phoenix area. He is the chief financial officer for the college and seminary of his church.
In the business world, his executive background includes management and director roles at American Express and GE, and also the parent company of a publicly traded NASDAQ corporation. His accomplishments include saving a $100 million publicly traded technology manufacturer and selling the existing business to a Fortune 100 company. He acts as a consultant to top executives in a multibillion dollar insurance company
merger. He serves as a managing member of Biltmore Executive Group, providing financial consulting and CFO services to Arizona-based corporations.
Eberle said he believes that dedicated leaders with broad skillsets and real world experience are needed to take a more active role in local government. He is enthusiastic about serving with the same energy and excellence he’s been known for in his business, his church and his community.
“I have enjoyed serving Chandler in a variety of capacities in recent years and look forward to the opportunity of earning the vote of the people to serve on Chandler council where I will do everything I can to ensure a healthy economy, quality jobs and safe neighborhoods,” he said.
Eberle has lived in Chandler for eight years with this wife, Donnalee, and sons, Mark, Andrew and Jonathan.
