Santan Sun News Community: 11-15-14

November 15 – December 5, 2014 www.SanTanSun.com

Community rallies behind fallen offi cers’ families

BY CURT BLAKENEY

As is often the case when tragedy strikes, the community bands together to grieve and support those left behind. Two weeks ago, the tight-knit community of Chandler was shaken to the core after two police officers were killed in separate incidents only days apart. The community, supported by the Chandler Police Department, organized vigils and fundraisers in the aftermath, to help the city heal and make sense of two senseless tragedies.

“The men and women of the Chandler Police Department are grieving as a family does,” says Chandler Chief of Police Sean Duggan, who was sworn into office last December.

“We lost two exceptionally talented and dedicated officers within a matter of days. At the same time, we have a job to do and our department continues to perform our work at the highest level.”

Officer David Payne, 37, was killed when his motorcycle was rear-ended by an impaired driver at Chandler Boulevard and Pennington Drive on Oct. 31. Officer Bryant Holmes, 34, died after he was clipped by a red-light runner in Gilbert while riding his motorcycle to work on Oct. 28.

Services for Holmes were held on Nov. 3 at the Church of Jesus Christ of

Latter-day Saints Stake Center in Mesa, while Payne received a full military funeral at the Chandler Center for the Arts on Nov. 8. Both were laid to rest at the Valley of the Sun Mortuary &

McCain visits Intel plant to honor veterans

BY CURT BLAKENEY

U.S. Sen. John McCain of Arizona took a break from his busy schedule in Washington, D.C., to visit Intel’s Chandler campus on Nov. 7, and honor the service and sacrifices of that company’s military employees and their families at a Veterans Day celebration.

McCain, a former navy serviceman, tweeted “Great to help honor #Arizona veterans @Intel today in #Chandler!” before addressing a packed conference room filled with employees, veterans and Intel executives.

“Intel has been a leader in Arizona for years with its vigorous programs for veterans,” McCain says.

“Intel is a great corporate citizen. In Arizona, we are grateful for what Intel has done for veterans, who don’t want a hand out...they want a hand up. I thank Intel for the tremendous opportunities

that they provide to veterans, and for the many contributions they make to

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Cemetery in Chandler.

“I am most proud of how our employees, both sworn and civilian, have pulled together in support for one another,” Duggan says. “The outpouring

of support from our public safety partners and the Chandler community has been overwhelming and especially heartwarming.”

FBI statistics show traffic-related deaths of police officers have been rising in recent years, even while overall law enforcement fatalities have been declining. Because both officers were killed on motorcycles, Duggan addressed questions about their safety.

“The circumstances surrounding both incidents are quite different,” Duggan explains. “We realize police work by its very nature is a dangerous profession, regardless of the position an officer holds in a department. The motor officers in our department’s traffic unit are highly skilled in the operation of their motorcycles. They are required to re-certify twice a year and log well over 2,000 hours a year on their motorcycle.

“Police motorcycles are an effective and necessary tool for not only traffic enforcement, but are useful in the general deterrence of crime. With that being said, our department will continue to seek and employ best practices in all realms of policing in order to mitigate the inherent dangers of our profession.”

The Chandler Police Department

San Marcos Golf Course back in the swing after $3.9M renovation

BY TIM J. RANDALL

After a five-month, $3.9 million renovation, the San Marcos Golf Course has been restored to its original beauty.

In the week leading up to its Nov. 1 unveiling, San Marcos PGA professional Ben Martyn proudly showed off the stunning Harry Collis-designed venue to San Marcos members, industry, media and City leaders.

Over three days, invited guests were treated to 18 holes of golf to experience the classic shot-making quality and original feel of the Chandler treasure.

“The crew worked right through the summer and the results are better than we could have imagined,” Martyn says.

The golf course, the oldest in the state with grass greens, is located at 100

N. Dakota St., adjacent to the Crowne Plaza San Marcos Golf Resort.

The historic gem’s renovation, overseen by managing group Touchstone Golf, was funded by Interwest Capital Corp., which purchased the resort in January 2013. It spent more than $12 million restoring the hotel; $3.9 million went toward the golf course and clubhouse at the 100-year-old property.

Martyn explains that there were considerable changes made to the course, including a complete replacement of the original galvanized irrigation system with modern piping. He says this was challenging.

“Because on many parts of the course there was no real knowledge of where

is 330-strong, and Payne and Holmes were well-regarded members of the department, so their deaths leave a void, both physically and emotionally, in the Chandler police family.

“Our department has provided and will continue to provide a host of options and opportunities for employees and their families to seek support and grief resources,” Duggan says. “Numerous incident stress debriefings have taken place and critical incident stress management team (CISM) members are available 24/7 to help lessen the impact on personnel exposed to traumatic events.”

Several fundraisers have taken place to raise money for the officers’ families. On Nov. 5, the Chandler Law Enforcement Association teamed up with Famous Dave’s restaurant to serve lunch at the Chandler Police Department headquarters in exchange for a donation. In the evening, Famous Dave’s in Gilbert had police officers serving guests in a “Tip a Cop” event. Donations from both events were split evenly between the two families.

On Nov. 10, Native Grill & Wings restaurants across the Valley participated in the “Wings for Badges” program, donating 20 percent of proceeds to the 100 Club, a nonprofit organization that provides financial assistance to public safety officers killed in the line of duty. Many more businesses, including Which Wich, Barro’s Pizza and CrossFit Obsession, have also participated.

“The expression of support from our community has been overwhelming and comforting,” Duggan says.

He adds that the community can still support the officers’ families. For more information, visit the department’s website, www.chandlerpd.com.

Curt Blakeney is the associate editor of the SanTan Sun News. He can be reached at curt@santansun.com.

the existing lines were located,” he says.

The playability of the 6,640-yard par-72 course was improved with the expansion, shaping and replanting of the tee boxes for maximum shot options.

Next, the bunkering on the course was restored to its original feel, look, depth and position. That includes the enlargement of the course’s two lakes to optimize strategic shot making, and a focus on the greens to ensure their true roll, original feel and classic design size and scale.

“The property has really been returned to its original roots as a shot maker’s golf course,” Martyn explains.

With a considerable amount of work to be completed, the staff and crew had their hands full, particularly over the last two months as the opening approached.

“We had quite a lot of the work completed in mid-September when the huge rainstorm hit Greater Phoenix,” Martyn explains.

“The course stood up very well. If there was a stress test for the bunkers and new tee areas that was it.”

As players moved through their rounds they also saw another nod to the past—the reintroduction of Billy Billoo’s snack shack, which had been closed for a number of years.

Beyond the course changes, the clubhouse was completely remodeled. Players completing their rounds were invited in to see and experience it with an appreciation reception. A new great patio area provides a relaxing outdoor setting to contemplate the round, while

inside a new pro shop looked top-notch with San Marcos gear adorning the shelves and racks.

The bar and grill area provided the most exciting changes to the amenities, including an open-air design for more natural light, the installation of eightfoot French doors, which kept the original wood-vaulted ceiling intact, and a revamped menu. Even a name change brings a historic quality back to the course’s 19th hole.

Previously named Mulligan’s, Grill 60 refers to the course record (60) set by

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John Quarty in 1999. He’s the son of San Marcos icon John Quarty who managed and owned the property from the 1940s through the 1970s.

“Throughout Chandler’s long and rich history, the San Marcos Resort not only anchored our downtown, but has been a magnet for the rest of the world to see how special a place this community is,” says Mayor Jay Tibshraeny, putting the property’s considerable changes in context.

“It certainly holds a special place in our city’s history. And today, the resort remains a critical element to our thriving downtown—and to the region. This new investment will maintain its standing as a special part of our city, and mirrors much of the other development happening here in the city core.”

Tim J. Randall is a freelancer for the SanTan Sun News. He can be reached at news@santansun.com.

our community.”

McCain, who entered the Naval Academy in 1954, served in the U.S. Navy until 1981. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Arizona in 1982 and elected to the U.S. Senate in 1986. He was the Republican Party’s nominee for president in the 2008 election.

McCain also attended the Arizona State University football game on Nov. 8 to honor veterans at Sun Devil Stadium.

The Intel event was hosted by Doug Fisher, Intel’s corporate vice president and general manager of the Software and Services Group.

“The military holds a special place in my heart,” says Fisher, a former Navy serviceman.

He recounted his path to the military, and eventually a position with Intel. While attending Lane Community in Oregon, Fisher spoke to a Navy recruiter at the request of his mother. It was an event that changed his life. At 17 years old, he joined the Navy.

“I would like to say it was the best decision I ever made, but my mom made it for me,” he jokes.

A sky-diving injury ended his military career, so Fisher enrolled at Oregon State in electrical and computer engineering under the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program.

“What never left me were the lessons I learned in the military, and what it means to be a team player,” Fisher continues. “Those lessons have served me well in the private sector. This is why Intel is so committed to our veterans programs.”

During the event, Intel’s Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) honored two employees, Pat McDonald and Deborah Eves, with Patriot Awards, given to a supervisor who reflects the efforts made to support active service members through a wide range of measures including flexible schedules, time off prior to and after deployment, caring for families and granting leaves of absence if needed. Intel’s CEO Brian Krzanich accepted the Extraordinary Employer Support Award for Intel.

“We have more than 4,000 employees who are veterans, who represent around 10 percent of our entire U.S. employment,” Krzanich said. “We are very proud of our seven employees who are currently on

active duty. We have a talented and diverse workforce. Our employees drive innovation and our veterans represent a very unique set of values when they show up to work every day.”

Intel participates in several programs to assist military service men and women including “100,000 Jobs Mission,” a coalition of more than 170 companies that are focused on hiring 200,000 veterans by 2020, and “Operation Impact,” a coalition that supports the training and hiring of wounded warriors.

Curt Blakeney is the associate editor of the SanTan Sun News. He can be reached at curt@santansun.com.

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City of Chandler Insider

Thank volunteers by nominating them for a Chandler Volunteer Recognition Award

“Those who can, do. Those who can do more, volunteer.”—Author unknown

Thousands of volunteers quietly make Chandler a better place for everyone, from picking up trash in a park, to bringing food to a neighbor, reading to children or donating their time to work at an event. Usually, these volunteers are in the background, helping others and ensuring that projects run seamlessly. It’s time to bring their efforts into the spotlight.

The City has joined with the Chandler Non-Profit Coalition and For Our CityChandler to recognize volunteers for their work as they dedicate their time, talents and energy to the betterment of the Chandler community.

Faith-based groups, nonprofits, schools, businesses and any other group with volunteers are encouraged to nominate individuals for one of seven Chandler Volunteer Recognition Awards. Also to be honored are the top volunteers with at least 100 hours of service and those contributing 1,000 or more hours in a year. They will receive a certificate signed by the mayor.

Winners will be announced at the annual Volunteer Recognition Breakfast on Feb. 5.

The breakfast ceremony began as part of the celebration of Chandler’s 100th birthday, but became an annual

event after organizers saw the need to recognize the remarkable work performed by Chandler volunteers.

“We would not be the great community we are without the tremendous contributions made every day by selfless volunteers,” says Mayor Jay Tibshraeny. “They work to benefit others, not themselves, and shy away from recognition, but deserve our thanks and appreciation.”

The event is hosted by the City of Chandler in partnership with two organizations committed to recruiting and managing volunteers, For Our City–Chandler and the Chandler Non-Profit Coalition. The Chandler Non-Profit Coalition was founded on the idea of helping those in need, and is comprised entirely of volunteers. The organization works to provide help where the need is greatest and advocates for those who need their help.

For Our City-Chandler’s mission is to coordinate service needs of the City of Chandler and nonprofit organizations with the service resources of faithbased communities, employers, business groups and others in the Chandler area.

The nominee’s work or service must take place primarily in Chandler, and will be reviewed on the basis of work or service which is directed to the betterment of Chandler. Nominees

from previous years can be nominated again, provided they were not previously selected as a finalist.

Applications to nominate a deserving volunteer are available through Monday, Dec. 8, and will not be accepted after the deadline. To nominate a deserving volunteer for one of the Chandler Volunteer Recognition Awards, visit www.chandleraz.gov/volunteer100 . Award categories include:

• Makes it Happen Award: This volunteer works for many organizations, with the goal of contributing anywhere and everywhere, in any way they can.

• Sunbeam Award: This volunteer is the most cheerful person in the place! They have the best personality, attitude and they are always smiling. Their mere appearance brightens the area around them.

• Longevity Award: This volunteer has worked for an organization for many years, providing a commitment and dedication to service that is awe inspiring.

• Innovation Award: This volunteer brings especially creative and unique solutions to the job.

• Youth Award: This volunteer is strictly for youth, 17 and younger. This nominee can be dedicated, positive and hardworking or otherwise stand out from the rest.

• Multitasking Maestro Award: This volunteer is someone who takes on a diverse array of multiple assignments, jobs or objectives at the same time and can juggle them effectively, while accomplishing all of them successfully.

• Strong Arms Award: This volunteer is not afraid to take on any job no matter how “down-n-dirty” it may be. This nominee may also be called the “jack-ofall-trades” in an organization.

City of Chandler Insider

2013 Award Winners

Some of the previous winners and their work in Chandler include:

Al Leibowitz, Strong Arms Award

Retired New Jersey Volunteer Fire Chief Al Leibowitz is the “Go-to Guy” for the Chandler Fire Health and Medical Department (CFHM). Leibowitz’s contributions to Chandler began with his involvement with the smoke alarm program. He has been installing smoke alarms in the homes of Chandler’s older residents for the past several years and thanks to him, the program stayed open through the summer months.

Teaming up with another volunteer, Leibowitz continued the installs throughout the summer months, greatly increasing the safety of those in our community who are most vulnerable to injury or death from fire. He rarely misses an open house and is a constant presence anywhere he can be of service, whether that is a public education demo, a drowning prevention walk or the annual Toy Drive. Leibowitz and his partner volunteered to complete a smoke detector walk in downtown Chandler and, in just three weeks, his team knocked on 154 doors, installed 41 smoke alarms, and replaced 14 smoke alarm batteries in homes where this

service was greatly needed.

Once a week, Leibowitz makes “station runs,” shuttling supplies to and from Chandler Fire, Health and Medical facilities and making sure that equipment in need of repair is picked up and delivered. This is an enormous time saver for firefighters and staff, and helps to ensure fire crews are better able to protect the community because they have what they need when they need it.

Scott McDonald, Sunbeam Award Scott began volunteering with

the Chandler Police Department (CPD) in April 2012 and volunteered more than 500 hours in 2013. With great enthusiasm and excitement, he immediately jumped into the program as a motorist assist and has made a tremendous impact on CPD staff and the community.

McDonald has established a great relationship with the officers and his co-workers. He never hesitates to ask questions to ensure his work is accurate or lend a hand in any way possible.

Radhika Arora, Youth Award

Arora has served in local youth councils, volunteered as a tutor at an afterschool program and at Chandler Regional Medical Center, played competitive tennis for Chandler High and organized food for fundraising events for the less fortunate. She also earned a position in the State of

Arizona’s Governor’s Youth Commission, where she helped create public service announcements, and worked on campaigns to end the purchase of alcohol for teens by third parties, among other projects.

As a Girls State participant, she earned a seat as a mock state senator, learning the art of compromise and the reality of deadlocks. As the student body president in 2013, she reorganized the way meetings are structured and how the communication and planning of schoolwide events are tackled. Class representatives deliberately target and communicate with their classes rather going to all classes as a group. It’s no surprise that Arora desires to pursue a career in public service.

Information provided by the City of Chandler Communications and Public Affairs Department.

Payne, Lions Club to be inducted into Celebration Plaza at Tumbleweed Park

Former Mayor Coy Payne and the Chandler Lions Club are set to be inducted into Celebration Plaza at Tumbleweed Park at 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 22.

Mayor Jay Tibshraeny and officials with the City of Chandler will recognize them for their many contributions and good works on behalf of the city’s residents.

The ceremony is open to the public and will be held at Celebration Plaza, which is a permanent monument near the center of the park, located on the southwest corner of McQueen and Germann roads.

Celebration Plaza features a fountain and a decorative wall used to display brass plaques honoring organizations or individuals for their civic leadership, public outreach and outstanding personal service and commitment to the community. The inductees are selected by the Chandler City Council based on recommendations from the Parks and Recreation Board.

Payne was the first African-American mayor in Chandler and in Arizona, serving

from 1990 to 1994 after previous service on the City Council from 1982 through 1990, and on several Chandler boards and commissions prior to that. A longtime resident, former Chandler Unified School District teacher and school administrator, Payne has been a community leader for many years, known for his strong role as a facilitator and consensus builder. One of the Celebration Plaza nomination forms states, “Born in the difficult times of precivil rights and segregation, Coy Payne never allowed the shallow ideas of others to prevent him from achieving his goals.

As the first African-American mayor, he served all the people. Chandler and all of Arizona are better because of Coy Payne.”

Since its founding in 1939, the Chandler Lions Club has been dedicated to serving the community through humanitarian service programs that improve the health and well-being of fellow community members. The group has provided thousands of free eye exams and eyeglasses to needy K-12 students, helped build the first hospital in Chandler, provided for disabled individuals to attend camps, and

collected and recycled thousands of used eyeglasses for missions to developing nations. In recent years, the group has also co-sponsored and produced the City’s annual Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular at Tumbleweed Park. Lions Club volunteers have given of their time, talents and efforts to support the disabled and the needy, and to make the community a better place.

This year’s inductees will have their plaques added alongside those of previous inductees: Chandler Compadres, John H. Dick, Najeeby Basha, Jerry Brooks, Patti Bruno, Lowell Huggins, Detective Carlos Ledesma, Dave McDowell, Marty Wright, Eddie Basha Jr., Chandler Service Club, Lenford Calley, Officer Robert Nielsen and Henry Salinas.

There is no fee to submit a nomination, and the form is available online at www.chandleraz.gov/parks or by calling (480) 782-2727.

Questions about the Celebration Plaza nomination criteria or the recognition process can be directed to Public History Coordinator Jean Reynolds at (480) 7822751 or jean.reynolds@chandleraz.gov.

Sovereign Health opens Chandler Women’s Treatment Center

More than 2 million women a year are victims of domestic violence, with a third of female trauma victims developing posttraumatic stress disorder and substance abuse issues, according to Sovereign Health.

The organization is opening a Chandler residential treatment center offering a specialized trauma track in addition to addiction, dual diagnosis, mental and behavioral health treatment exclusively for women. Set in a relaxing and safe location, the residential treatment center provides a holistic approach to treatment as well as female-centric activities and therapies.

Monica Powers, program director, says,

“Sovereign Health’s Arizona location is one of the few in the country to focus on this underserved population and promote the safety and serenity of women-only treatment.”

Additional details are available at www.sovarizona.com, or call the 24/7 admissions hotline at (866) 948-9688.

Workshop to address warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease

The warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease are often dismissed as side effects of normal aging. If you or someone you know is experiencing memory loss or behavioral changes, it’s time to learn the facts. During this one-hour workshop, Saturday, Nov. 22, individuals will gain a greater understanding of the difference

between age related memory loss and dementia, and what to do if they have signs of Alzheimer’s disease from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

The free Know the 10 Signs of Alzheimer’s disease workshop, which is presented by the Education Coordinator of the Alzheimer’s Association Desert Southwest

SunBird Kare Bears hosting Faire Dec. 6

The SunBird Kare Bears is hosting a fundraiser from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at the SunBird Golf Resort Ballroom, 6250 S. Sunbird Blvd., Chandler. The fundraiser is open to the public with no admission fee.

SunBird Kare Bears Faire will showcase more than 35 vendors that bring in their wares, including gifts, decor, food and home items. The club also has a white elephant table and a 50/50 raffle.

The event will also offer a 15-percent discount coupon for dining in the SunBird Horizon Room restaurant.

Donuts, rolls and coffee will be available for 75 cents each.

SunBird Kare Bears is a charitable institution that holds fundraisers, so it can distribute the funds every year in April. Some of the recipients include Neighbors Who Care, SunBird Lions and Chandler Lions, Hamilton Homeless and Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank. For more information contact Shirley Jackson at (480) 883-9018.

ICAN hosts annual Festival of Trees Gala

ICAN, Positive Programs for Youth, is hosting its 11th annual Festival of Trees gala 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort and Spa, 5594 W. Wild Horse Pass Rd. This year’s theme, An Evening Among Stars, is a vintage Hollywoodinspired affair including a cocktail reception, followed by a five-star meal and exclusive VIP after-party with live entertainment by Chuck E. Baby. Ticket prices are $150, with a limited number of tickets available for $250 that include the VIP after-party. Purchase tickets at www.icanaz.org or by calling Cassie Patris-Browne at (480) 874-7577. There is also a drawing for a oneof-a-kind pendant designed by Randy Coffin in memory of Dave Trout for the passion that Trout expressed through his generosity to ICAN. The artist says the pink and blue sapphires represent the youth whose spirits shine at ICAN each day, while the outer circle of diamonds represent the organization itself and the solid foundation that the ICAN donors and volunteers provide. At the center of the piece is a star of hope; a combination of yellow, white and rose gold with a one carat diamond at the center. Tickets for the drawing are $100. Winners do not need to be present. Drawing tickets at www.icanaz. org/festivaloftrees.

Chapter, will be held at the Downtown Chandler Public Library, 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. The workshop is recommended for anyone interested in learning about the signs of Alzheimer’s disease.

Those interested can RSVP by calling (602) 528-0545.

Southwest Sedan Services serving Chandler, Gilbert

Southwest Sedan Services has expanded to the Chandler and Gilbert area. SWS, a company that has been in the Valley since 1995, specializes in airport transportation, evenings out and tours. SWS can handle individuals and groups, and is fully insured and registered with all local and state governing agencies.

Black sedans and SUVs are featured and the fleet also has minibuses and coaches for charter. Special rates will be featured through Wednesday, Dec. 31. For more information, visit www. swsedan.net.

Voters reject term-limit increase in Nov. 4 election

BY TIM J. RANDALL

Chandler voters once again eschewed a proposal to extend the City Council term limits in the Nov. 4 election.

Councilmembers are limited to two consecutive terms. The amendment, spawned from a ballot initiative proposed by Councilman Jack Sellers, would have extended term limits to three consecutive four-year terms.

“The extension would have put our city on better footing from a competitive standpoint with other Valley communities, which have either three consecutive terms or no term limits,” Sellers says.

“Mesa, which has the two-term limit as we do, has considered moving to three terms.”

Larger communities often find that unlimited or third-term options may better facilitate partnership building from inside City government to business and regional assets.

“Often, after eight years just as councilmembers are termed out, they are just taking strategic positions on state or regional boards, and you just lose that momentum,” Sellers says.

One example of this is Councilwoman Trinity Donovan whose term expires at the end of this year, and represents Chandler as the vice chairwoman on the Valley Metro Regional Public Transportation Authority (RPTA).

Councilman Kevin Hartke who will begin his second and final term on the council in January, said, “Our community has spoken. Cities with longer terms are more likely to have councilmembers lead regional and state committees and boards that bring resources to their community and area. Chandler leaders have and will continue to work hard to serve our community.”

According to election results, more than 24,000 people voted “no,” while about 14,500 said “yes.”

The vote also was a demonstration of historical continuity reaching back to the early 1970s when the two consecutive limit was originally enacted. In 1986, voters quashed the idea of eliminating the ceiling, and then in 1996 and 2000 when three consecutive terms proposal was declined.

“Frankly I was surprised at the result,” Sellers says. “I think that voters maybe were expressing fatigue with government in general.”

Councilwoman Nora Ellen commented on the outcome noting, “There are valid arguments on both sides of the issue. I voted no on council because I think it is good to have new people with fresh ideas. The voters agreed.”

Tim J. Randall is a freelancer for the SanTan Sun News. He can be reached at news@santansun.com.

Sun Lakes resident publishes fourth book

Mel Weiser, playwright, novelist, theater producer and director, and nine-year Sun Lakes resident, has published his fourth book, “On 174th Street: The World of Willie Mittleman,” which is available on Amazon and Kindle.

“On 174th Street” presents the enduring hope and fortitude with which American families faced the catastrophic years of the Great Depression. Through the funny and touching exploits of little Willie Mittleman and the rest of the Mittleman clan living in the Bronx, readers experience the love, fears, laughter and tears that make up the indomitable spirit of America.

Other published books include “The Trespasser,” “Within the Web,” and “Nick Nolte—Caught in the Act.”

In addition to writing books, Weiser cowrote the play “A Tiny Piece of Land” with Joni Browne-Walders. The play was recently produced at Phoenix Theatre, the Pico Playhouse in Los Angeles and at TEATRON Theatre in Toronto.

His drama “Cry, Tiger” was optioned for a Broadway production in 2009. In addition, he has written many plays for high school and community theater productions, produced worldwide.

Weiser has directed more than 40 plays, from Broadway through regional and dinner theaters, including many productions in the Phoenix area. He is a member of Dramatists Guild and the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers.

Chandler awarded national sustainability rating

STAR Communities recognized Chandler with a 3-STAR Community Rating for leadership in sustainability at a recent ceremony held at Veterans Oasis Park. The City is one of only 20 in the nation to achieve certification in the STAR Community Rating System, which evaluates the livability and sustainability of U.S. communities.

“The City of Chandler should be commended for its work to provide a healthy, safe, prosperous and environmentally conscious community,” says Hilari Varnadore, executive director of STAR Communities.

Communities pursuing STAR certification accumulate points for their achievements across the seven goal areas, which are used to determine their rating. Among the many

outstanding efforts in Chandler’s STAR application are:

• Reading proficiency, 85.8 percent of third grade students meet or exceed standards

• Innovation support including the Innovations Science and Technology Incubator and a partnership between ASU and TechShop to open the Chandler Innovation Center

• High quality parks and trails, with 1,200 acres of parkland at more than 60 park sites

• Every Chandler resident lives within 3 miles of an off-road trail

• Aggressive water quality program sets higher standards for drinking water and routinely tests more frequently than required by law

• Bicycle friendly, including heavy investment in bike lanes and trails.

State Senate announces leadership team

Sen. Andy Biggs of Gilbert will remain as president of the Arizona State Senate, after a post-election organizational meeting by the Republican Majority.

This will be Biggs’ second term as president, after being elected to the post in January 2013. He will be joined on the leadership team by Majority Leader Steve Yarbrough and Majority Whip Gail Griffin. Biggs entered the State Legislature in 2003. Before serving as Senate president, he was Senate Majority Leader and Appropriations chairman.

Yarbrough also entered the Legislature in 2003. He is the chairman of the Senate Finance Committee and chairman of the Ethics Committee. He lives in Chandler. Griffin was sworn into the Senate in 2011, after serving in the House of Representatives. She is president pro tempore of the Senate. Griffin is chairman of the Government and Environment Committee. She lives in Hereford.

New leadership will be effective at the start of the next term in January, the 52nd Legislature, First Regular Session.

SRP makes strides in transmission route on GRIC land

SRP’s two-year effort to pursue a route alternative on the Gila River Indian Community (GRIC) for an important new transmission project is focused on obtaining right-of-way consent from more than 4,000 allottees whose allotments are crossed by the proposed power line.

Allottees are individuals with an ownership stake in the GRIC land who would be impacted.

Recently, more than 4,400 letters offering to purchase right of way were mailed to the allottees. SRP is seeking consent from the allottees and agreement to the Grant of Right of Way across these allotments by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), GRIC leadership and residents of District 4 and the Gila River Indian Community Utility Authority (GRICUA), for a joint project to locate new electrical transmission lines across a portion of the community.

SRP’s transmission line project is needed to address continued economic development in Chandler’s Price Road Corridor (PRC). Locating a portion of the power lines on GRIC lands would also allow GRICUA to provide imp roved electrical service to community customers, support planned community renewable energy projects and allow SRP to connect several off-reservation substations to imp rove s ervice to neighboring communities.

SRP’s offer to purchase this right

of way will be open until Dec. 1. SRP intends to file an application for a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility (CEC) no later than Feb. 1, but could file sooner if it concludes that a GRIC alternative cannot be secured by Jan. 1. If it appears the process cannot be completed in time or it is clear that the community will not receive the necessary approvals, SRP will move forward with a CEC for the routes on private land.

While several private land alternatives have been identified during the project’s public process, project manager Tom Novy says SRP is committed to making every reasonable effort to secure the GRIC route alternative in a timeframe that meets the area’s needs.

He did note, however, “it is an extremely complex process that requires approval from multiple federal agencies as well as the individual allottees, but we are hopeful that we will be successful.”

SRP extended the project schedule last fall to continue to pursue the GRIC alternative. So far, SRP has received approval from the community’s District 4 Council and endorsement from the community’s Utility Authority.

During the past year, SRP has completed land surveys and allotment appraisals for the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Office of Appraisal Services (OAS) to review. To secure the

alternative GRIC route, SRP must:

• Meet National Environmental Policy Act requirements, as determined by an environmental assessment conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA); The BIA issued the public Notice of Availability (NOA) and Finding of No Significant Impacts (FONSI) on July 18

• Complete an agreement between SRP and the GRIC, which requires Tribal Council and SRP Board approval

• Obtain consents from at least 51 percent of the ownership interest in each of the allotments for a long-term transmission line right-of-way easement from the ownership of every land parcel along the GRIC route.

If the allottee consent efforts are successful, and the project receives BIA and Tribal Council approvals, SRP will proceed with the transmission line route alternative on GRIC land.

SRP initiated the PRC transmission line project in January 2013 to site new overhead 230-kilovolt (kV) power lines and two new 230-kV substations that will provide capacity to meet the projected economic growth of the Price Road Corridor.

SRP intends to file its CEC application to the Arizona Power Plant and Transmission Line Siting Committee no later than Feb. 1, for a permit to build the project components. If SRP receives the necessary approval for locating a portion of the project on GRIC land, SRP’s application will only include the portion of the transmission line route from the Schrader Substation to the GRIC boundary, and for the 230kV circuit from the Kyrene Substation to the Knox Substation. Without the GRIC alternative, SRP will need to pursue the private land route alternatives for the entire project. SRP continues to work to refine the remaining private land route segments and identify the exact locations for two proposed substations before presenting them to the public in a fourth and final round of open houses planned for later this year.

The public process will culminate with a hearing before the Arizona Power Plant and Transmission Line Siting Committee. A final decision on whether to grant a CEC for the project will be decided at an open meeting of the Arizona Corporation Commission. SRP is the third-largest public power utility in the nation, serving about 990,000 customers in Maricopa and Pinal counties.

CFHM to host open house in Ocotillo Nov. 15

The Chandler Fire, Health and Medical (CFHM) Department is hosting a free open house for the public from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, at Fire Station No. 5 at 1775 W. Queen Creek Rd.

The event is part of the department’s ongoing efforts to educate residents about CFHM’s services and to share safety, fire prevention and emergency preparedness information with the public.

In addition to station tours, there will be fire truck, ambulance and apparatus displays and demonstrations of emergency medical services. Blood pressure and glucose checks will be available, along with drowning prevention information. In the Fire Safety House display, children can get hands-on instruction on how to get out of a smokefilled environment.

Department mascots will entertain

Si Se Puede celebrates Dia De Los Muertos with first bash

Locals wore their best skull paint and costumes and headed to the Chandler’s Dia De Los Muertos celebration, benefiting Si Se Puede Foundation Charity on Saturday, Nov. 1, at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park.

In what Si Se Puede hopes will be an annual event, the bash featured a children’s art contest, altar contest, salsa and cumbia bands, dance performances, food and a custom low-rider car show.

Chandler-based Si Se Puede Foundation, started in 1993 by Alberto L. Esparza, became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 1998.

Si Se Puede was created as a prevention and advocacy program that encourages participants to become active leaders in their

community. The foundation focuses on school and community risk factors that cause delinquency and gang affiliation, negative behaviors in youth and detachment of children from their family, school and community.

The organization advocates nonviolent conflict resolution amongst all youth regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion or creed by increasing positive behaviors through community service, educational/ recreational activities and encouraging parental involvement in the lives of their children through parent/teacher and community meetings.

For more information about the organization, visit www.sisepuede.cc.

and free balloons and fire helmets will be available for children.

Throughout the event, CFHM staff will be available to talk about the Crisis Response volunteer program, smoke alarm program, Fire Cadet program and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).

This open house will also feature instruction on Hands-Only CPR, which, when performed by a bystander, has been shown

to be as effective as “conventional” CPR in emergencies that occur at home, work or in public. There are only two steps to remember: Call 9-1-1 and push hard and fast in the center of the chest.

Fire Station No. 5 is located on the south side of Queen Creek Road between Alma School and Dobson roads. For more information about the open house, call (480) 782-2120 or visit www.chandleraz.gov/fire.

Community

Chandler installing 22 bus shelters

Chandler is upgrading 22 bus shelters and adding more to help protect bus riders from the elements. The new shelters are being installed at some of the city’s most heavily used bus stops to provide better shading and more seating. Shelters being replaced by the new ones are being relocated to bus stops with no shelters. Fourteen of the new shelters are 19 feet long and eight shelters are 13 feet long. They range in cost from approximately

$11,000 to $18,000. Funding is from Arizona Lottery Fund distributions, which can only be used for public transit.

Up to three new shelters per week are being installed. The first is at the northeast corner of Dobson Road and Chandler Boulevard. The additional shelters bring the total number of bus stops in Chandler with shelters to 196.

As the popularity of transit has grown and routes have been enhanced, Chandler saw bus ridership increase

more than 20 percent over the past five fiscal years, from 871,000 boardings in FY 2009-10 to more than 1 million last fiscal year.

The city’s busiest bus stop in Chandler is on the northeast corner of Chandler Boulevard and Arizona Avenue, averaging over 300 boardings per weekday.

DEADLINES FOR SANTAN SUN NEWS

The deadline for news is 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 24, for the Saturday, Dec. 6, issue of the SanTan Sun News. Meanwhile, the advertising deadline is 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26.

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 SanTanSun.com and click on “About us” and call 480-732-0250 for advertising rate details.

MAP: Find where the new shelters in the process of being installed will be located. Submitted photo.