STSN January 18-31, 2014 Book

January 18 – 31, 2014 www.SanTanSun.com

Chandler Firefighter Charities make giving back a priority

Chandler chef Chu has a new vision for Valley diners BY LYNETTE CARRINGTON

BY TRACY HOUSE

The Chandler Firefighter Charities has been serving the community for 20 years, providing relief and services for citizens who may need just a little help. That was never more apparent than during the recent holidays. The CFC organized its annual toy drive to provide much-needed toys and gifts for Chandler children for Christmas. The event brought in more than 3,200 toys and 40 bicycles for children in the area, says Fire Chief Jeff Clark. In addition, CFC raised $2,000 in gift cards to give to teenagers, an age group often overlooked in holiday drives. The CFC specifically worked to provide for teenagers this year as organizers know they appreciate these gifts. “We were able to meet more than our needs and we were able to pass on some of our stuff to charities as well,” Clark says. The toy drive is just a part of what makes the Chandler Firefighter Charities’ mission. The charity also sponsors an annual golf tournament in May, in conjunction with Tempe, raising a few thousand dollars per year for the organization. “We’re always looking for sponsors and donors for that,” Clark mentions.

Humble beginnings The group was founded by firefighters who passed around a hat to collect funds that would be given to anyone

SUPPORT SECTOR: Help comes in many different ways through the Chandler Firefighter Charities. Not only do the firefighters volunteer in the community, their families are also part of the efforts. Submitted photo

who needed it. Initially, the monies were provided for families whose homes had burned and who needed a place to stay. “We were constantly finding ourselves in situations where people were in need and we didn’t always have a way to help them,” Clark says. Funds are also raised through the CFC members and city of Chandler employees via the annual Valley of the Sun United Way Workplace Giving Campaign. As the department has grown and social media has brought recognition to SEE FIREFIGHTERS PAGE 6

Home reconstruction aims to revitalize downtown BY BETH LUCAS

Isabel Duran set her roots down in Chandler more than 40 years ago. Her life was about family, and inside her 1,300-square-foot downtown Chandler home, she raised her nowadult children, and prepares to help raise a special needs grandchild. But she won’t need to retire in the same home where her family for decades walked above a dirt floor, unable to afford much more than a roof over their heads. Thanks to a new partnership between Habitat for Humanity and the city of Chandler—and due to the donations of local businesses—her home is the SEE RECONSTRUCTION PAGE 5

LIFTING UP NEW BEGINNINGS: Dozens of Chandler volunteers who build and sell homes for a living kick off Habitat for Humanity of Central Arizona’s first reconstruction of a local family’s home. Submitted photo FOR A COOLER ARIZONA

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Local diners and foodies are occasionally treated to a chef who possesses the talent to introduce unique recipes and a cool restaurant concept. Sometimes those chefs gain a following and sometimes they fade into Valley history. Chef and Restaurateur Johnny Chu has been on the local culinary scene developing menus and opening restaurants that are memorable and delicious. But, what is truly remarkable, is the journey to the Valley, how he started and his genuine care and love for the customers that he continues to endear to himself. He counts Tien Wong Hot Pot in Chandler and Sochu House Neo Asian and Martini Bar in central Phoenix as the jewels in his culinary crown. At the core of each restaurant is a crossroads of an ancient way of food preparation coupled with Asian flavors that respect the past and forward-thinking methods of diet and health. “This concept is healthy and it’s the most healthy way to eat,” explains Chu. The general concept behind hot pot dining is a series of expertly crafted soups or broths, such as spicy lemongrass or Japanese miso. Lean meats and fresh vegetables are then dunked in the broth that sits on the center of the table on a hot plate. The food cooks while being infused with the light flavor of the broth.

A CHEF WITH VISION: Chef Johnny Chu translates an ancient cuisine into healthy modern eating. Submitted photo

In fact, ancient warriors often gathered around to cook their food this way on the battlefield. “In today’s world, in this country, everyone is in such a hurry. I want people to slow down and spend time together,” says Chu. “People should spend time together enjoying each other’s company and eat more slowly and more thoughtfully. So often, people just rush in and eat a huge plate of food.” Most food at Chu’s restaurants is SEE CHEF PAGE 4

Heumann named vice mayor The Chandler City Council voted unanimously at its Jan. 9 meeting to name Councilman Rick Heumann as the city’s new vice mayor. The term began that evening and runs through Jan. 8, 2015. Heumann follows Jack Sellers, whose term as vice mayor expired Jan. 9. “I appreciate the opportunity to serve the community in this capacity, and appreciate the support of the council,” Heumann says. “I look forward to working with council on continuing to make improvements that benefit Chandler over the next year.” Heumann began his tenure on the City Council in January 2009. He serves regionally as the president for SEE VICE MAYOR PAGE 7

Rick Heumann. Submitted photo

F E AT U R E STO R I E S Chandler celebrates community diversity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .COMMUNITY . . . . . . . . . . Page 8 Biltmore Loan and Jewelry says ‘yes when the banks say no’. .BUSINESS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 19 Composer, 9, to perform her work at music industry show. . .YOUTH . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 25 ‘Jeep Girls’ share their story, bring awareness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .NEIGHBORS . . . . . . . . . . .Page 45 Los Lonely Boys return to stage after heartbreaking injury . .ARTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 57

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More Community . . . . . . 1-18 Business . . . . . . . .19-24 Youth. . . . 25-36,41-42 Opinion. . . . . . . . 43-44 Neighbors. . . . . . 45-56 Arts . . . . . . . . . . . .57-62 Spirituality . . . . . 63-66 Directory . . . . . . 67-68 Classifieds. . . . . . 69-70 Where to eat . . . .71-74