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December 21, 2013 – January 3, 2014 www.SanTanSun.com

Tumbleweed Santa a jolly face to children in Chandler

BY TRACY HOUSE

When John Stewart gets into costume, it’s to fill some big, jolly shoes.

“I’ve been playing Santa Claus for probably close to 35 years,” says Stewart, who has portrayed Santa for his employer and family.

“When I moved here, I joined the Lions Club and played for them and finally we worked out a deal with the city of Chandler and the Santa Claus house. The Chandler Lions Club helped build that house, and I’ve been doing that ever since.”

For more than 15 years, Stewart has been Santa at Chandler’s Santa House.

“I enjoy kids and that’s the other reason I joined the Lions Club because we sponsor kids,” Stewart says. The Lions Club sponsors clubs and helps children who need eye glasses.

“For Santa, I just enjoy being with the kids,” Stewart remarks. “I have fun with it. A lot of people I know bring their kids down for me.” He says he gets “the dirt” on the kids and is able to ask them about their behavior. “I catch quite a few kids off guard. Being down there so long, there’s a lot of kids I recognize year after year.”

With the longevity he says the kids are excited when he remembers them from year to year.

Stewart stays in character while he’s Santa. “I’m a firm believer to stay in character. I don’t change in front of the kids—I don’t get out of my costume in front of the kids.” He explains, “Preparing

Tactics, techniques key to rape defense class

BY MAX KRAUST

The Chandler Police Department will kick off the new year with a series of Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) classes for women.

The classes, which CPD began offering in 2003, are designed to help women combat realistic situations where they might be vulnerable, using self-defense tactics.

“The class teaches awareness,

children of all ages at the Santa House in Downtown Chandler. John Stewart is the man in the suit who has made thousands of children smile during the holiday season. Submitted photo

for it is a couple of deep breaths and just go for it. Once the beard and the wig goes on, I’m ready.”

As the kids come to Stewart he says he doesn’t make promises. “I don’t want to lie to kids.”

Usually on the first night at Santa’s House, Stewart averages 800 to 1,000 children sitting on his lap for pictures. He estimates that he’s had thousands of kids talk to him over the years. “I enjoy it very much. My Lions Club enjoys sponsoring it.” The club painted the house and fixed the floor to ready it for this year. “It’s a fun thing to be part of.

Two Chandler residents named Fulbright scholars

BY MEGHAN MCCOY

Two Chandler-based Arizona State University students have received 2013 Fulbright scholar awards to study abroad.

The program, which is a premier fellowship program of the U.S. State Department, is aimed at increasing mutual understanding while helping develop creative responses to problems.

A record 26 students received the Fulbright Award from ASU last spring representing 19 different countries.

“I was overjoyed when I found out that I had been chosen as a Fulbright Scholar, but it took until our orientation in London to understand what it meant,” says Jaleila Brumand, 22.

“This program is really unique because, while it enables students to go abroad to pursue their field of interest,

City of Chandler Insider Special

2013: A year in review

JANUARY 2013

TRENDS

Chandler Library helps customers keep up with latest technology

Thanks to the growing popularity of e-readers and tablets, especially as holiday gifts, the Chandler Public Library offered free classes to assist customers with questions about their devices, as well as teach them how to download e-books through the library’s website. All customers need to download e-books is a valid library card, access to the Internet and their e-reader or tablet. Cardholders can access over 75,000 unique e-book titles, from classics to bestsellers, and for all age groups.

ON THE WEB: chandlerlibrary.org

SERVICE

Police and fire personnel assist homeless during extreme winter weather

When temperatures plunged during a week-long cold snap in early January, members of Chandler’s public safety teams went out into the community

GOVERNING BODY: Chandler City Hall. Submitted photo

delivering assistance to people who were homeless and living on the streets. Sleeping bags, gloves, clothing and blankets were collected and distributed to those in need. City staff also found shelter space for those willing to go.

CULTURE

Poignant

film featured at Celebration of Unity

The critically acclaimed inspirational film “Nicky’s Family” was shown at the Center for the Arts as part of Chandler’s annual Celebration of Unity. The occasion showcased how one person can make a tremendous difference in

it also encourages ambassadorship and involvement in their new, local community. I find that balance both exciting and extremely important.”

Brumand arrived in London in early September for orientation at Lancaster University in England. She began her master’s program of environmental science and energy the following month.

“The U.K. has set a particularly lofty carbon reduction goal and I wanted to explore how this national policy actually operated through society,” she explains of her reasoning for choosing Lancaster University.

“The Lancaster Environmental Centre on campus is also incredibly forward thinking in its research and has some very distinguished faculty, which is certainly an added bonus.”

She will return to Chandler in December 2014.

Brumand is living in an apartment on campus with five other postgraduate students. She attends lectures twice a week, as well as clubs on campus a few times a week in between reading and writing essays. She has also had an opportunity to travel to Liverpool, Durham, Whitby and York in some spare time.

“The people in the north of England are very warm and welcoming,” Brumand says. “I’ve never been in a place where you strike up genuine conversation on a bus or at a store, and here people seem to do it daily.”

After her studies abroad, Brumand plans on pursing a Ph.D. to supplement

her technical skills. She would eventually like to become a professor of environmental science.

Brumand, a Mountain Pointe High School graduate, entered ASU in 2009 to study environmental science. She earned her bachelor’s in sustainability with a concentration in economics; a bachelor’s in geography and earned a certificate in geographic information systems.

“I learned at a very young age that the environment is important,” she says. “When I started pursuing different options for college majors, I found that there were many aspects of environmental science that I could study. The variety and breadth of the field is what really attracted me to it. The fact that it has become very interdisciplinary, which I believe is essential to solving problems especially when they involve so many different sectors of society and the natural world, really crystallized that decision.”

Teagan Adamson

Teagan Adamson, 23, also a recipient of the Fulbright scholar award, arrived in Taiwan at the end of August to study at Academia Sinica in Taipei. The research institution is home to the lab environment best suited for her project. She is living in an apartment in the center of Taipei and has traveled throughout Taiwan. She will return to Chandler in July.

“It’s a dream come true,” she says of the award. “Having the opportunity to live a year abroad conducting cutting edge research and improving my Chinese speaking abilities is truly amazing.”

Adamson’s typical day consists of taking Chinese for two hours in the morning before she rides her bike to the shuttle that takes her to the research institution where she spends a few hours on her biomedical engineering research project. She also attends relevant science classes in the evening for molecular medicine courses.

“I am actually doing a dual-fellowship,” she explains. “While both are under the Institute of International Education, the Whitaker International Program sends biomedical engineering and bioengineering researchers overseas to study in their field and conduct research.”

Adamson says she is working on a project that aims to develop unique

antibody therapeutics to improve current cancer treatments.

Once her studies abroad are complete, Adamson plans on continuing her work in the biomedical engineering field to develop new solutions and treatments addressing human disease.

“In the future, I plan to work at a research institution that focuses on international teamwork and collaboration,” she explains.

While Adamson attended Horizon Honors High, which is a school linked with Horizon Community Learning Center, she developed a strong interest in Chinese culture.

She entered ASU in the fall of 2008 and graduated with a bachelor of science degree in engineering and master’s in biomedical engineering in December 2012.

“I was able to study Chinese in a program organized by my local school district that enriched my education and motivated me to search for academic institutes with reputable East Asian language programs,” Adamson says.

“Because of the additional exposure to medicine and engineering through my grandfather, a physician, and my brotherin-law, an aerospace engineer, I chose to attend Arizona State University.”

During her time at ASU, she majored in biomedical engineering and minored in Mandarin Chinese.

Meghan McCoy is the Neighbors and Business section editor for the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at meghan@ santansun.com.

teaches moves for certain situations,” Chandler Police Community Resources Administrative Specialist Blanca Quezada says. “The goal is to teach tactics and techniques, not martial arts.”

R.A.D. is a national program that was chosen by former CPD Crime Prevention Officer Sgt. Bill Nocella after he started receiving requests from citizens regarding self-defense training. This choice was largely due to the program’s Lifetime Return and Practice Policy.

Participants receive a workbook, and once they have this book, they can practice at any R.A.D. class across the nation for free. Many cities or other entities charge for the first set of classes, but Chandler’s classes are complimentary.

“Although we don’t charge in Chandler, other entities can and do charge,” Quezada says. “If someone takes our class and then moves across the nation and decides they want to practice, as long as they have their signed book, they can take the class for free.”

The class consists of four sessions over the course of two weeks for a total of 12 hours with a certified R.A.D. instructor. Mental strategies are discussed for awareness, prevention and risk-reduction, as well as hands-on training is performed throughout the course. A “simulated assault” is also an optional feature of the program for those who want to make sure they are ready for a real-world scenario.

“There is a simulated assault portion where you get all padded and suited up

which is optional,” Quezada says. “The techniques used are effective, but simple to learn. You don’t have to take karate to do it.”

The class is available to females 12 and older, and no men are allowed in the classes or class areas in order to prevent any potential conflict. Those aged 12 to 15 need a parent present with them during the classes and those aged 16 to 17 need parental consent. The class is also not limited to Chandler residents, but available to anyone who wishes to take the class who is of age.

“We’ve had nothing but good comments and recommendations coming from this program and most people come based on a recommendation from others who have taken the classes,” Quezada says.

The first set of classes for the year are scheduled for Jan. 7-16 with three more scheduled Feb. 4-13, April 8-17 and May 6-15. Classes are from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Chandler Police Department’s Chandler Heights South Sub-Station, 4040 E. Chandler Heights Rd., which is on the northeast corner of Lindsay and Chandler Heights roads.

For more information about R.A.D. or registration info, visit chandlerpd.com or email or call Blanca Quezada at blanca. quezada@chandleraz.gov or 480-7824960.

Max Kraust is a student at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. He can be reached at news@santansun.com.

Chandler Regional first in West with breakthrough procedure

The medical director of the cardiac catheterization laboratory at Chandler Regional Medical Center has become the first physician in the western United States to treat severely blocked coronary arteries with a new system that relies on centrifugal force to reduce calcium in the arteries.

Dr. Georges Y. Nseir uses the Diamondback 360 Coronary Orbital Atherectomy System (OAS), the first and only technology approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of severely calcified coronary arteries. An atherectomy is a minimally invasive method of removing blockages from arteries—essentially “RotoRootering” a vessel. A calcified artery can be more challenging for physicians to treat than an artery containing soft plaque because the calcium is more resistant to removal.

“This OAS device truly makes the work easier and faster for doctors and ultimately, safer for patients,” says Nseir, who has performed hundreds of atherectomies during his career and participated in the clinical trial that led to government approval of the OAS. “Before this system became available, it was more difficult to remove calcium from arteries. The old equipment was slow and inefficient when used to clean out calcium deposits. This new device has the capacity to treat severely calcified blockages in the

arteries of the heart safely, which allows more people to be treated, maximizing the success of the procedure and improving long-term outcomes.”

The new instrument is a uniquely positioned 1.25-millimeter diamondcoated implement called a crown that sands away calcium in coronary arteries by increasing the rotation of the crown inside the artery. Removal or reduction of the calcium permits placement of a stent, a device that forces the vessel to stay open. “This system is revolutionizing treatment for patients with calcifications in their arteries,” says Nseir. Cardiovascular disease caused by atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, is the most common cause of death in the Western world.

“The OAS will put us on the cutting edge of technologies by having the latest approved equipment,” says Nseir. “Severely calcified blockages are becoming a common encounter in the cath lab with the growth of the aging population and the increase in the incidence of diabetes.”

In a clinical study, says the system’s manufacturer, Cardiovascular Systems Inc. (CSI), the OAS technology produced clinical outcomes that exceeded expectations of safety and effectiveness by a significant margin.

To learn more, visit chandlerregional. org.

“My biggest challenge is I’ll go through a catalog and try to see what the big toys are.”

He mentions he’s not tech savvy so he tries to read about the games and other toys so he is familiar with them.

“There have been some toys I have no clue what they’ve been.”

In the years he has been playing Santa, Stewart says Barbie and trucks are still popular items for which he’s been asked.

Besides playing Santa for Santa’s House at the Tumbleweed tree, Stewart also dons the big red suit for Special Olympics’ RAD Christmas Party called “Mistletoe Magic.” “It’s a Christmas party for the Special Olympians.” He plays Santa every year. Stewart explains, “They wear they’re love on their shirt sleeve. They don’t ask for gifts, they ask to take care of people. It is touching.”

In addition to playing Santa for children, Stewart makes an appearance at Chandler Villa, a senior center. The Lions support a party and he says the seniors want a picture with Santa, too. Stewart has made being Santa part of who he is. He is dedicated to bringing holiday cheer to others and has spent more than $1,800 on his Santa suit. “I had it made by a movie set, who builds costumes for movies,” he says. “I always wanted a robe, the old European robes. That’s my pride and joy.” He has other suits, but keeps the robe for special occasions.

Stewart doesn’t see retiring from Santa any time soon. “Each year I keep saying this is my last year, but as it gets close I get excited making dates and get it done.”

Tracy House is the SanTan Sun News news editor. She lives in Ironwood Vistas with her husband and four children and can be reached at tracy@santansun.com.

Help out this tax season Music and games at Sunbird Golf Resort

Volunteers with expertise are needed for Chandler’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA). The city needs help from tax preparers, translators, screeners, greeters and site coordinators to assist low- to moderate-income residents who need help preparing their state and federal income tax returns.

Of special concern is the need to aid residents in filing the forms necessary to receive the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which allows low-income working individuals and families to retain more of their earnings. Last year, 58 volunteers worked more than 3,000 hours to prepare and file personal tax returns for 1,287 residents, helping them claim $1,543,651 in refunds.

VITA works to ensure as many lowand moderate-income residents as

possible receive a maximum refund to help increase self-sufficiency and economic stability.

New volunteers must complete a free four-week Internal Revenue Service course in tax law starting Sat., Jan. 4, at the Boys & Girls Club in Chandler.

Volunteers test to determine certification level. Next, volunteers are asked to work at least one session per week at one of six Chandler VITA sites. The sites will be open from Jan. 30 through April 15. Volunteers may also earn professional continuing educational credits by participating in the program.

To find our more or to complete an online application, visit chandleraz. gov/VITA or call Jeanne Bosarge with Chandler’s Community Development Division at 480-782-4358.

Basha High School’s music department is hosting a variety show 6 p.m. Sun., Jan. 26, in the Sunbird Golf Resort Ballroom, 6250 Sunbird Blvd., Chandler, with all proceeds going to the school’s music department.

Bingo nights

Get together for Bingo in the Ballroom at 6 p.m., with the first game beginning at 6:30 p.m., on the first and third Friday of the month through April. Coffee and treats are served at intermission.

Fly the flag

Sunbird Lions Club has an ongoing “Fly the Flag Program” for residents. Applications are available at the Sunbird Office. The Club will display a flag at your house on Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Patriots Day, Veterans Day and Pearl Harbor Day. Questions should be directed to Lion Chuck Chubin 480-8954633.

If you would like to become a Sunbird Lion, contact Fred Garmeson at 480-8959363.

Online survey lets residents weigh in on budget priorities

Chandler’s Budget Office is conducting an online survey of residents to help develop the city’s budgetary priorities for the upcoming 2014-15 fiscal year, which begins July 1, 2014.

The survey is online at chandleraz. gov/budget and can be submitted through Jan. 24. The results will be presented to the city manager as well as Mayor Jay Tibshraeny and the members of the City Council for consideration as part of the budget development process.

City officials are assessing a variety of economic factors as work begins on the 2014-15 fiscal year budget. In recent months, Chandler has been one of the leading communities in Arizona for new businesses and job creation. Sales tax revenues have also increased, and Chandler has benefited from “slow but steady” improvement in the state and national economies.

Meanwhile, part of the budget formulation process to date has been an ongoing review by Chandler management of the many programs and services the City provides to residents, businesses and organizations that serve the community. The municipal organization continues to search for ways to achieve even greater

efficiency savings than those already implemented in recent years.

The online Citizen Budget Survey provides residents with an opportunity to share their opinions during the budget review process. This year’s survey solicits feedback on program and service priorities and capital project priorities for the city. The survey is at chandleraz.gov/budget.

For those without access to a computer, paper copies of the survey are available at the Chandler City Hall front desk, Chandler libraries, downtown Community Center and the Tumbleweed Recreation Center.

The public will have several other opportunities to share their thoughts about the proposed budget with city leaders and staff prior to the adoption of the budget in June. In late February or early March, “Budget Connect,” an online budget forum, will be scheduled where residents and other stakeholders can ask questions and give input. Details on this event and other public budget hearings will be posted at chandleraz.gov/budget when they are available, or call the budget office at 480-782-2252 for the latest updates.

Youth artists recognized in Sister City showcase

Award-winning work from young artists will be showcased in Chandler’s Vision Gallery as part of the city’s partnership with Tullamore, its “Sister City” in Ireland.

Chandler-Tullamore Sister Cities has been chosen as one of the 10 cities to host the Sister Cities International 2013 Young Artists and Authors Showcase Winners. The winners and finalists’ art, essays, and poetry will be on display at Vision Gallery, 10 E. Chicago St., on the northeast corner of Arizona Avenue and Chicago Street, through Sat., Jan. 11. The exhibit is free and open to the public during operation hours of Vision Gallery.

students’ winning pieces will be on display with the other winning Authors/Artists at Vision Gallery.

“We are very excited to host this international exhibit from Sister Cities International,” says Ellen Harrington, president, Chandler-Tullamore Sister Cities. “This was our third year participating in the SCI Showcase, and to have this level of talent recognized is very rewarding. Hopefully this display will raise enthusiasm for entering the 2014 Young Authors and Artists Showcase.”

Chandler-Tullamore Sister Cities had two winning entries in the 2013 Showcase, which asked young artists to interpret the theme “The Power of Exchange”—expressing how exchange has influenced them and their communities through original artwork and literature.

The 2013 Young Authors Showcase Grand Prize Winner was Rachel Beglin, a Hamilton High School student, in the Poetry category. Elizabeth Hopwood, Seton Catholic Preparatory High School, was one of 10 finalists in the Young Artists Showcase. These two Chandler

The next theme, as well as information on how to enter ChandlerTullamore Sister Cities’ 2014 Showcase is available at chandlerirish.org. Visit sistercities.org to view the tour schedule and winners and finalists entries, and to learn more about the Sister Cities Program.

Chandler-Tullamore Sister Cities’ mission is to connect with Chandler’s first Sister City, Tullamore, Ireland, through cultural understanding, economic development, educational exchanges and community involvement. For further information, visit chandlerirish.org, or contact Ellen Harrington, president, at chan.to.tull@gmail.com or 480-600-8509.

the world. An awards ceremony was also held to honor Chandler Police, Fire and community volunteers, and the event included a Volunteer Fair for attendees to connect with community service organizations.

ON THE WEB: Details on the 2014 Celebration of Unity and Multicultural Festival can be found at chandleraz.gov/ unity

BLURB

Welcome, new Americans!

Approximately 200 people became American citizens at an outdoor naturalization ceremony held at Chandler’s 18th annual Multicultural Festival.

LEADERSHIP

Oaths of office given to mayor and three councilmembers

Mayor Jay Tibshraeny was sworn in to his second two-year term, along with re-elected Councilmember Jack Sellers (second four-year term), and newly elected Councilmember Nora Ellen. Councilmember Rick Heumann (re-elected to a second four-year term) was unable to attend the ceremony and was sworn in separately. The new council also unanimously elected Sellers to a one-year term as vice mayor. Outgoing Councilmember Matt Orlando was presented with a gift and a proclamation honoring his 17 years of service to the city, during the council meeting that preceded the ceremony.

City of Chandler Insider

FEBRUARY 2013

SERVICE

Budget survey reveals residents have high satisfaction with city

A survey on budget priorities showed that a large majority of Chandler residents believe that the city leadership is doing a very good job managing the city and providing a good return on their tax dollars. The results also showed that residents strongly support the council’s past fiscal decisions related to protecting existing customer service levels, and its emphasis on “maintaining what we have” relative to infrastructure construction and maintenance.

ON THE WEB: This year’s Citizen Budget Survey can be taken online at this link: chandleraz.gov/budget

EDUCATION

Science celebrated during threeday

Spectacular

The Chandler Science Spectacular, part of the Arizona SciTech Festival, promoted and celebrated the science in our daily lives, earning recognition for the city as a science and technology hub. The events complement Chandler’s strategy of recruiting and retaining high-tech, highwage science and technology companies while ensuring an educated workforce is available. The Chandler Tech Crawl, A Night of Art & Science, and Chandler’s Science Saturday presented residents of all ages with unique opportunities to explore the discoveries and science engineered in their own backyard.

ON THE WEB: Details on the 2014 Chandler Science Spectacular can be found atchandleraz.gov/science

LEADERSHIP

Mayor gives State of the City address

Mayor Tibshraeny shared Chandler’s many accomplishments over the past year, including outreach and communication with neighborhoods, college and university partnerships, improvements to Downtown Chandler, and successes in business growth and development, especially in the technology sector.

“Chandler’s reputation as a leader in technology and a place that cultivates innovation is creating a groundswell of interest from the business community,”

Mayor Tibshraeny said. “We are experiencing the success of our business friendly strategy, and will continue that strategy as we look forward.”

ON THE WEB: chandleraz.gov/connect

NEIGHBORHOODS

Mini HOA Academy supports efforts to maintain healthy, sustainable neighborhoods

The city held a new Mini HOA Academy to provide an opportunity for people to network and gain a better understanding of their roles and importance in their neighborhoods. Mayor Tibshraeny invited “anyone serving on an HOA board, volunteering on a neighborhood committee, working with neighborhoods, or just having an interest in maintaining a good quality of life in their neighborhood.”

ON THE WEB: Details on this and other initiatives of Mayor Tibshraeny, visitchandleraz.gov/connect

CULTURE

Chandler participates in temporary public art initiative

Chandler and the city’s Arts Commission joined with seven other Valley cities to participate in IN FLUX Cycle 3, a public art initiative demonstrating a holistic approach to temporary public art projects through a showcase of installations by local artists. Three dynamic projects were installed in the downtown area, featuring the works of: Ann Morton, textile artist, Craig Randich, sculptor and Denise Yaghmourian, mixed media artist.

ON THE WEB : chandleraz.gov/art

BLURB

New business sought for downtown space

In February, the city began a search for a company to occupy space in a city-owned building which would complement the current businesses in the downtown and draw new visitors to the area. This effort was rewarded later in the year when Zoolikins, a unique parenting store that focuses on natural baby products, opened on East Boston Street.

LEADERSHIP

Longtime assistant city manager honored, new assistant city manager hired Chandler Assistant City Manager

Pat McDermott was presented the Catherine F. Connolly Outstanding Assistant City/County Management Award by the Arizona City/County Management Association (ACMA). McDermott has more than 37 years of municipal management experience and has at one point or another overseen every department in the organization, contributing to the growth, advancement and efficiencies of the city. McDermott will be retiring from the city in early 2014. Also in February, the city hired Marsha Reed as the city’s second assistant city manager. Reed came to Chandler from Lubbock, TX, where she worked for 20 years. She began her new post on April 1.

City of Chandler Insider

MARCH 2013

SERVICE

Budget Connect opens budget process to residents

Mayor Tibshraeny moderated Budget Connect, a public forum focused on the city’s 2012-13 fiscal year budget and Capital Imp rovement Program (CIP), and broadcast live on the city’s Cable Channel 11, and streamed on the city website. The virtual meeting was intended to give residents a better understanding of the city’s budget and fiscal policies, while also providing them an opportunity to ask questions, raise concerns and receive timely answers. City staff monitored Twitter, Facebook and the Budget Connect online forum for questions and comments during the event, and the questions were answered by the mayor, councilmembers and department directors.

ON THE WEB : chandleraz.gov/budget

BLURB

City clinches another A+ for Web transparency Chandler was honored for the fourth year in a row as one of the United States’ most transparent local governments on the Web, receiving an A+ rating from the Sunshine Review for valuing open access to government and being proactive in the disclosure of public information on its website, chandleraz.gov.

ECONOMY

GM to hire 1,000 high-tech employees at Chandler center

Gov. Jan Brewer joined Mayor Tibshraeny to announce that GM had selected Chandler as the site of its fourth Information Technology Innovation Center. The company expects to invest $21 million in the new Chandler facility and hire 1,000 high-wage employees over the next five years. Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC) President and CEO Barry Broome added, “General Motors could not have found a better innovation partner than the city of Chandler, which has worked hard to earn its well-deserved status as one of the

western U.S.’ top technology cities.” ON THE WEB: chandleraz.gov/ED

CULTURE

Chandler hosts Sister City delegation

The observance of St. Patrick’s Day in Chandler was especially meaningful this year as the community welcomed a delegation of 30 dignitaries, educators, students and business owners from Tullamore, Ireland, Chandler’s Sister City. Chandler and Tullamore forged a relationship in 2008 to encourage cultural understanding, community involvement, economic development and educational exchanges. The Tullamore delegation included the town manager, a town councilmember, a contingent of business people and educators and a group of 20 secondary school students from Tullamore’s all-girls Sacred Heart School.

COMMUNITY

City leaders seek stronger ties to Gila River Indian Community Mayor Tibshraeny, in partnership with local businessman Eddie Basha Jr., hosted a joint meeting between the Chandler City Council and the Governor and Tribal Council of the Gila River Indian Community (GRIC). The two communities have a shared border, strong historic connection and a positive relationship that was further strengthened during the year when the GRIC made a significant donation to the city’s fund for a Veterans Memorial at Veterans Oasis Park.

■ Have you tried to get individual coverage before but were declined?

• Insurance companies are no longer able to deny you for pre-existing conditions.

• Open Enrollment (OE) begins October 1st, and you MUST enroll during the (OE) period or you will not be eligible for individual coverage unless you have a qualifying life event. Policies will be effective Jan 1, 2014.

■ Are you worried about the cost of Health Insurance?

• We can help determine if you eligible for a subsidy through the new Health Insurance exchanges.

■ Does your spouse or children need insurance or are you paying a fortune for COBRA?

■ Are you confused on what plan you need?

City of Chandler Insider

SAFETY

Fire Department continues emphasis on Water Safety and Drowning Prevention

For the third year, Chandler firefighters asked residents to join them in a door-to-door campaign through local neighborhoods to educate residents about the importance of direct and constant adult supervision of children around water. The “Eye to Eye to Supervise” message reminds adults to take personal responsibility for securing pools or other bodies of water at their home, supervising children in their care, teaching them how to swim at the appropriate age, and learning how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

ON THE WEB: chandleraz.gov/fire

APRIL 2013

INITIATIVES

Health Connect Expo at Tumbleweed Rec Center

Mayor Tibshraeny continued his Health Connect initiative by dedicating a day to fitness with the Health Connect Expo at the Tumbleweed Recreation Center.

The free, family friendly event featured fitness and cooking demonstrations, guest speakers and dozens of health conscious vendor information booths with topics on wellness, finance, child safety, nutrition and fitness.

ON THE WEB: For details on the 2014 Health Connect Expo, visit chandleraz. gov/connect

PEOPLE

(IN

MEMORIUM)

Arizona says goodbye to Chandler icon Eddie Basha Jr.

Thousands of people attended a funeral service for Eddie Basha Jr., at ASU’s Gammage Auditorium. Mayor Tibshraeny and members of the City Council joined with other high-profile figures to pay their respects to the businessman and philanthropist who grew his family’s Chandler grocery chain into an Arizona institution.

MAY 2013

COMMUNITY

‘Let’s Pull Together’ campaign targets weeds

For the fourth year, volunteers from area schools, churches, service organizations and Chandler neighborhoods donated their time and resources in May to assist seniors and disabled residents with front yard maintenance, pull weeds from yards and alleys, and pick up trash from vacant or abandoned homes.

ON THE WEB: chandleraz.gov/ neighborhoods

TECHNOLOGY

There’s an app for that Chandler joined with the town of Gilbert to develop a new smartphone and tablet app that provides residents with information on solid waste and recycling services. The new My-Waste app is free to download and will work on all operating systems. It features a collection calendar

that is tailored to each household, with custom reminders for regular collection days, holidays and special collections. The app also provides information about how to handle specific trash items, plus tips for reducing, reusing and recycling trash.

ON THE WEB: For details on the 2014 Health Connect Expo, visit chandleraz. gov/recycle

JUNE 2013

BLURB

Fowl discussion comes home to roost

After several public hearings and extensive public feedback, the council voted down a proposed amendment to the City Code that would have allowed all residents living in single-family dwellings to raise up to five chicken hens.

NEW TENANTS: Continuum Science & Technology Park landed multiple new tenants this year. Submitted photo

ECONOMY

Companies invest in Chandler, bring new jobs

Continuum Science & Technology Park on the Price Corridor landed its first major tenant, Nationstar Mortgage, which will bring 1,200 jobs to the city. In addition, OnTrac package delivery service moved its corporate headquarters to Continuum and made a $5 million investment in Chandler, bringing 200 jobs with plans to grow to about 850 employees over the next decade. It was also announced that Garmin, the world leader in Global Positioning Satellite devices, is expanding its operations in Chandler, building a 60,000-square-foot building and adding 141 new software and product development jobs over the next three years. Additionally, direct response sales and marketing company ClearCall Solutions moved into the Chandler Airpark area in order to expand and accommodate its projected growth, which included adding 100 new employees this year.

City of Chandler Insider

City of Chandler Insider

JULY 2013

BLURB

Passport record set

Chandler set a record for the number of U.S. passports processed by its city clerk’s office. City staff processed 10,649 passports between July 1, 2012, and June 30, 2013, breaking the previous city record of 10,386 set in FY 2008. City Clerk Marla Paddock attributed the record-breaking year to an improving economy and the renewal of child passports that were issued in large numbers in 2008 and which expire this year.

SUSTAINABILITY

City Hall awarded prestigious LEED Green Building Certification Chandler learned that its City Hall Complex is officially LEED certified to the Gold level by the U.S. Green Building Council and verified by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI). LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the nation’s preeminent certification program for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. Since it opened in October 2010, City Hall has received numerous state, regional and national awards for its architectural design, construction excellence, indoor and outdoor lighting, interior design, use of technology, environmental impact and more. City officials continue to make

the City Hall complex more efficient with the addition this year of new solar energy panels on the roof of the site’s parking garage, which will generate much of the electricity needed in the complex. For a closer look at this facility, take a video tour of Chandler on the city’s websitechandleraz.gov/cityhall.

COMMUNITY

Widespread support for largest school supply drive in City history

Operation Back to School Chandler – For Our Students was a collaborative effort involving the city of Chandler, various nonprofit organizations, churches, employers, school districts, business groups, and others in the Chandler area with a goal of providing 10,000 children with backpacks and school supplies. The drive culminated with a July 20 event where the donated items were distributed to needy elementary, middle and high school students.

AUGUST 2013

BLURB

President Obama visits Chandler construction firm

President Barack Obama made his second visit the city in 20 months when he toured Erickson Construction in west Chandler during a visit to the Valley to give a speech on home ownership.

RECOGNITION

Chandler ranked among ‘Safest’ and ‘Thriving’ cities

Chandler was ranked No. 12 among the Top 20 Thriving Cities that continue to grow even in a slow economy on the website of The Daily Beast, and Business Insider ranked Chandler as the ninth Safest City in the Country. In December, the website LawStreetMedia.com ranked Chandler No. 11 on its list of the Top 25 Safest Cities for 2013.

SEPTEMBER 2013

MILESTONE

Channel 11 show reached 350-episode milestone

“Chandler in Focus” is a 30-minute show on the City’s Channel 11 that is hosted on a rotating basis by members of the City Council and covers a wide variety of current community issues and current events. The first episode of the show was hosted by Mayor Coy Payne in 1990 with guest Steve

Vierck, then the executive director of the Chandler Chamber of Commerce. The 350th show aired in September with Councilmember Rick Heumann interviewing Chandler and Kyrene school superintendents Dr. Camille Casteel and Dr. David Schauer.

ON THE WEB : Watch episodes of Chandler in Focus and other shows online at chandleraz.gov/video

INITIATIVES

Neighborhood awards program announced, website available Mayor Tibshraeny announced the Neighborhood Excellence Awards as a way to recognize neighborhoods and their leaders for working to imp rove their community and inspire others to be more active and involved. The winners will be announced at the Mayor’s 2014 State of the City Address and in the following categories: Best Neighborhood Event, Most Active or Engaged Neighborhood, Best Revitalization Story, and Neighborhood Leader of the Year. In other neighborhood news, the mayor encouraged residents to use a new networking tool called Nextdoor to create their own neighborhood websites to easily communicate with one another. Nextdoor.com is accessible only to residents of that neighborhood and members must provide residential verification before they can join.

ON THE WEB : chandleraz.gov/connect

AWARDS

Water Audit Program, Centennial receive recognition

Chandler’s Water Audit Program was honored with an Award of Merit in the Environmental Excellence Awards, Arizona’s oldest and most prestigious competition focusing on environmental stewardship and sustainability. The free city program offers residents free audits of their irrigation systems, pools, toilets, faucets, showers and water meters and has saved more than 81 million gallons of water since its inception in 1999. Last year, 199 Chandler water audit participants saved more than 10 million gallons of water after following advice from the city’s water conservation staff. Meanwhile, Chandler’s year-long 2012 Centennial Celebration received one of the highest honors achievable for government communicators, the Savvy award for Outstanding One-Time Special Event, from the City-County Communications and Marketing Association (3CMA).

OCTOBER 2013

COMMUNITY

SRP

delays power line plan after public response

After holding a series of public meetings over the summer and receiving extensive feedback from residents and community leaders, SRP delayed its proposal to bring high-voltage power lines to Chandler and Sun Lakes neighborhoods. The new power lines are

City of Chandler Insider

needed to keep up with growing demand, particularly along the city’s high-tech Price Corridor. SRP officials are working with the Gila River Indian Community to find alternative routes for the lines on some sections of tribal land.

COMMUNITY

Bond

ratings reaffirmed

with stable outlooks

All three major credit rating agencies reaffirmed their current high ratings for the city’s Excise Tax Revenue Obligations (ETROs), which will be used to fund various water and wastewater capital projects. “By reaffirming our high ratings, these agencies are reinforcing our reputation as a well-managed city with strong fiscal policies and a balanced and flexible financial plan for the future,” said Mayor Tibshraeny.

NOVEMBER 2013

COMMUNITY

Operation Welcome Home honors veterans

The community joined together to honor local military men and women upon their return from active duty or as they leave for service. Operation Welcome Home Chandler was created by Councilwoman Nora Ellen, in association with Mayor Tibshraeny and the City Council. The inaugural Operation Welcome Home ceremony honored four local veterans: Petty Officer Second Class Michael Perez, Major Rob Polston, Petty Officer First Class Marc Sepulveda and CDR Martin Sepulveda. The event

began with a procession for the veterans lead by the Arizona Patriot Guard Riders. The community has made supporting and recognizing veterans a priority in recent years, with the creation of an annual Military Members and Veterans Benefits Expo in partnership with the Arizona Department of Veterans Services, and the start of a fundraising campaign to build the Field of Honor, a memorial at Veterans Oasis Park.

ON THE WEB: To nominate a veteran, sponsor the program or for more information on Operation Welcome Home, visit: chandleraz.gov/patriotism

INITIATIVES

Mayor helps homeowners navigate City Hall

Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Connect, a workshop led by a team of city employees to answer any questions about anything DIY, was hosted by Mayor Tibshraeny in west Chandler. The free event was intended to help homeowners who are undertaking home improvement projects understand how the city can help, and what issues might arise, such as the need for permits. City staff also unveiled a new Homeowner’s Building Permit Manual that includes information on room additions, accessory buildings, carport conversions, patio coverings, pools, fences, and yard irrigation systems.

ON THE WEB: www.chandleraz.gov/connect

SEE CITY OF CHANDLER INSIDER PAGE 12

HONORS

Mayor named Municipal Leader of the Year

City of Chandler Insider

Award, and he was named an honorary board member of the Boys & Girls Club of the East Valley.

HISTORY

DECEMBER 2013

LEADERSHIP

San Marcos celebrates 100th anniversary

Sticking to his guns

American City & County magazine selected Mayor Tibshraeny as its Municipal Leader of the Year and featured him on the cover and inside the November edition. The honor was in large part due to the mayor’s role in economic development and specifically, creating, protecting and preserving the Price Corridor, and he has been instrumental in attracting high wage technology jobs to the city. In addition to his achievements with the Price Corridor, Mayor Tibshraeny was recognized for a wide variety of accomplishments including; the Four Corner Initiative and Adaptive Reuse Program, creating a healthier community, neighborhood outreach, job creation and university partnerships and transparency through technology. This honor is one of several other ways the mayor was recognized in 2013. He also received the Greater Phoenix Economic Council Outstanding Regional Contribution

The grand opening of the Hotel San Marcos took place on Nov. 22, 1913, and it has been a centerpiece of life in Chandler ever since (it is included on the National Register of Historic Places). Among the 500 guests present were Gov. George P. Hunt and Vice President Thomas Marshall. The hotel was an immediate success with the rich and famous looking for a hideaway and coming from all over the country every winter. In January, the hotel was sold for $11 million and it is undergoing a major renovation.

ON THE WEB : chandleraz.gov/history

INNOVATION

TechShop opens in the Chandler Innovation Center

TechShop, a membership-based, doit-yourself workshop and fabrication studio with locations nationwide, opened in the ASU Chandler Innovation Center, giving Arizona State University students and Chandler-area makers, entrepreneurs and innovators access to a wide range of machinery, tools and software to turn their ideas into reality. The grand opening celebration will be in January 2014, when students begin their first semester at the facility.

Police chief announced City Manager Rich Dlugas announced that Sean Duggan, an assistant police chief with the Scottsdale Police Department, has been named Chandler’s new Police chief and will begin his new post on Jan. 13, 2014. He replaces former Chief Sherry Kiyler who retired in June after nine years with Chandler, and nearly 40 years in law enforcement.

BLURB

Tumbleweed Tree appears in National Geographic

Chandler’s unique holiday tradition, building a Christmas tree out of tumbleweeds, has been going on since 1957. This year it received some national attention with a brief mention and a color photo in the National Geographic magazine.

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

2013-14 Community Grants recipients announced

Chandler Regional and Mercy Gilbert Medical Centers recently announced the recipients of the 2013-14 Community Grants program, which awards grants to nonprofit organizations whose proposal responds to the Dignity Health East Valley’s Strategic priorities identified in the community health needs assessment and the community benefit plan.

This year, organizations were required to come together to create a community of care (minimum of three) and submit collaborative applications with focus on improving transitional

care after discharge from Chandler Regional or Mercy Gilbert; addressing the continuum of care after discharge from Dignity Health emergency room or working to provide community-based intervention, prevention and education or management measures for diabetes, heart disease, congestive heart failure, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, infection and sepsis, mental health and obesity.

This year’s recipients are:

The East Valley Holistic Family Care, which received $100,000. Members split

the funds, with the Chandler Education Foundation receiving $18,000; the Hope Community Health Center receiving $43,000 and Southwest Behavioral Health bringing in $39,000.

East Valley I-Help Coalition received $99,999, split evenly between Chandler Christian Community Center, Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest and Tempe Community in Action.

The Senior Community Wellness Coalition received $82,276; with $22,000 going to About Care; $18,000 to Valley of the Sun YMCA/Ahwatukee and

$42,276 to Neighbors Who Care.

“Our goal is to continue to improve community health through better access, prevention and education,” says Kathleen Dowler, director of Chandler Regional and Mercy Gilbert’s community integration department. “These awardees have identified unmet health-related needs throughout our community and we are pleased to support their mission.”

To learn more or for a complete list of criteria, visit chandlerregional.org or mercygilbert.org.

Taking out the trash the right way; Learn what to recycle

Cut down on garbage with helpful videos

Chandler’s government access television studios have produced six 30-second videos to remind residents to reduce the amount of trash they generate during the holidays, and to provide helpful hints about how to cut down.

An estimated 25% more trash is generated during the holiday season than at other times of the year.

The Maricopa Association of Governments has teamed up with its Solid Waste Advisory Committee and the Valleywide Recycling Partnership to make the videos. They hope to get residents thinking about ways to cut down on waste as they plan their holiday activities.

Because recycling programs can vary from community to community, residents should contact their local jurisdiction for specific information on the recycling program in their area. A new website, recycle.azmag.gov, provides contact information for communities in the region. Links to the videos can be found at chandleraz.gov/recycle.

Recycling pays off Chandler is hoping its residents are motivated to recycle the right way, and is offering a bonus to residents who practice good habits with its new Recycle Rewards Program, which is offering discounts and

deals from local businesses.

The program aims to encourage individuals to work together for a positive collective impact, and will recognize good recycling habits, especially properly sorting items and not contaminating containers with nonrecyclable items. Recycling contamination occurs when trash, plastic bags, Styrofoam, food and nonrecyclables are placed in the blue recycling barrel, increasing the city’s cost and creating potential safety and health hazards.

If a Chandler resident is practicing good recycling habits, Chandler staff may attach a flier to the recycling container.

To earn a flier, a container must be at least half full with no contamination found. The flier reads “You’ve Been Caught Green Handed,” and will inform residents that their address is being entered into a monthly drawing for a chance to win a Recycle Reward Card. The card includes buy-one, get-one free burger deals at Fatburger and Carl’s Jr., $3 off at SportsClips and Barro’s Pizza and discounts at Fat Willy’s, Sidelines Grill, Just Sports and others. All winners will be entered into a grand prize drawing for a Kindle on Earth Day 2014.

To learn more, contact Chandler’s Solid Waste Services Division at 480-782-3510.

Community

Chandler City Council increases salaries

The Chandler City Council passed an ordinance Thu., Dec. 12, approving a 37% pay increase for future mayors and city councilmembers.

Starting on Jan. 8, 2015, the mayor will make $49,500 and the vice mayor and councilmembers will earn $29,000. The raises will take effect when members elected in November 2014, take office.

The council took action on 45 other agenda items, including:

Granted a Cable Television License to Western Broadband LLC to enable the company to cross city right of way along Hunt Highway as part of a system upgrade project.

Approved a preliminary development plan for a WinCo Foods grocery store on a 9-acre parcel located on the northwest corner of Arizona Avenue and Willis Road within the San Tan Plaza commercial retail center.

Approved Valencia Park as the official

name for a future park to be located in southeast Chandler at 3701 E. Desert Jewel Blvd.

Approved the $8.4 million acquisition of a 37-acre parcel located adjacent to the southwest corner of Price and Queen Creek roads for the expansion of the existing Ocotillo Water Reclamation Facility.

Awarded an $83,799 contract to J2 Engineering for the design of improvements needed at Chandler’s Tumbleweed Tennis Courts located on the southwest corner of Germann and McQueen roads.

Approved the purchase of 20 new vehicles from Berge Ford and PFVT Motors Inc. in the amount of $495,128.

Approved a Use Permit for the installation of a 55-foot-tall monopalm wireless communications facility in the Dobson Park Plaza located north of the northeast corner of the Dobson and Warner roads intersection.

Approved a preliminary plat for a 20unit residential townhouse development, McQueen Commons, to be located on 1.46 acres located on the east side of McQueen Road, north of Galveston Street.

Approved a preliminary plat for a commercial development to include a health club on 14.7 acres located on the southwest corner of Alma School and Ocotillo roads.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Mayor Jay Tibshraeny applauded the recent announcement by Wells Fargo on its plans to invest $125 million in the expansion of its current facilities at the Ocotillo Corporate Center on south Price Road. He and the council also encouraged everyone to “Shop Chandler” and wished everyone a safe and joyous holiday season.

During a study session on Mon., Dec. 9, Tibshraeny recognized two retiring employees and seven other employees for their years of service to the city and its citizens. Library Associate Cecelia

Martinez was recognized for 40 years of service to the city. Library Assistant Mary Lou Zavala was applauded for her 20 years of service, while Landscape Maintenance Tech Rudy Martinez, Senior Engineer Paul Young and Admin. Librarian George Delalis were thanked for their 15 years of service. Police Officer William Johnson and Public History Coordinator Jean Reynolds were congratulated on their 10 years of service. The two retiring employees were Police Officer Angel Chavez who served 24 years and Police Communications Supervisor Gary Heath who is retiring after 34 years.

The next council meeting is 7 p.m. Thu., Jan. 9. Council meetings are aired live, as well as replayed, on Chandler Channel 11 and streamed on the Web at chandleraz.

SanTan Brewing Co. hires national business development manager

Just a few weeks after the official grand opening celebration at SanTan Brewing’s new 35,000-square-foot production facility, owner and brewer, Anthony Canecchia announced plans to expand distribution of SanTan’s hand crafted beer into the southwest markets including California, Nevada, New Mexico, Colorado and Texas.

To help put those plans into action, SanTan Brewery has hired former Oskar

Blues’ national sales director Wendy Weathers to head the company’s national business development.

“We have been friends with Wendy for several years and couldn’t be happier about having her join our family at SanTan. Wendy’s passion for craft beer and accomplishments at Oskar Blues are two of the many traits that complement the culture of SanTan Brewing,” Canecchia says.

SanTan Brewing Co. is the second largest craft brewery in Arizona and the 14th fastest-growing craft brewery in the nation, according to the Brewers Association data of 2012.

Weathers’ goal will be to identify and develop expansion efforts into new markets. This will entail analyzing and developing relationships with distributors and accounts as well as

creating marketing/business plans to drive sales, specific to each territory. In addition, her goal will be to identify sales representatives in each market that will help educate consumers and tell the SanTan story.

SanTan Brewing is located at 8 S. San Marcos Pl., Chandler. Contact 480-917870 or visit santanbrewing.com for more information.

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Gilbert Chamber sponsors sixth annual ‘Adopt-a-Senior’ Program

Program received a record number of wish lists from local senior citizens

The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce organized the sixth annual Adopt-aSenior program this holiday season to benefit Gilbert’s low-income senior citizens as well as homebound seniors and disabled Gilbert residents, in partnership with the Gilbert Senior Center.

The Chamber collected holiday wish lists from Gilbert’s homebound residents who participate in the Meals on Wheels home meal delivery program. Lists were also collected from Gilbert seniors living in lowincome housing.

“In past years, we have received between 60 and 80 wish lists from local seniors. This year, we received 109 lists,” says Kathy Tilque, president and CEO of the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce. “The community really came through and we were able to fulfill every single list.”

According to Tilque, the program is managed each year by a student intern. This year’s intern, Aaron Brooks, managed the distribution of wish lists to donors and the collection of gifts to make sure every list is fulfilled. With the help of volunteers, Brooks is

organizing a holiday party for a group of the seniors.

“Many chamber and community members donated miscellaneous items that will be used to make goodie bags for seniors who attend the party,” Brooks says. “Students at Gilbert Elementary School have a tradition of making hand-made cards, the Anytown club from Campo Verde will assemble the goodie bags, and the choir from Val Vista Academy will sing Christmas carols.”

The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit, membership-based organization with more than 580 members ranging from home-based businesses to large corporations and representing more than 42,300 employees. The chamber proactively serves as a business advocate to strengthen the business climate in Gilbert. To learn more about or join the chamber, call 480 892-0056 or visit gilbertaz.com.

Ride free on Valley Metro bus and light rail on Dec. 31

Coors Light and Valley Metro have forged a new partnership to provide Phoenix-area residents and visitors with free transit service as they ring in the New Year. Coors Light Free Rides will be available on Valley Metro light rail and all bus routes beginning at 7 p.m. Tue., Dec. 31.

“We’re excited to help people ring in the New Year safely by bringing Coors Light Free Rides to the Phoenix area,” says Gene Giron, responsibility initiatives manager for MillerCoors.

“Our partnership with Valley Metro will take countless cars off the road and help ensure the holiday is memorable for all the right reasons.”

The new program is supported by Valley Metro member agencies, the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, statewide elected officials and local law enforcement, as well as Crescent Crown Distributing.

“Valley Metro is an important part of many local celebrations as we provide safe, reliable transportation to and from events,” says Steve Banta, Valley Metro CEO. “This free ride partnership with Coors Light serves as a rider benefit and allows us to extend

our reach as a safe travel option.”

Valley Metro provides bus, light rail and paratransit service in the metropolitan Phoenix area. Route and schedule information is available at CoorsLightFreeRides.com, by calling 1-800-FREE RIDES or by texting “FREE RIDES” to 90464.

“This is a win and a great service for the Phoenix region,” says Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton. “Party-goers this New Year will be able to count on free and safe transportation to downtown and regional events, and I’m hoping to keep this service going for years to come.”

Construction update: Gilbert Road progress

Ocotillo Road, east of Gilbert Road, will remain closed through late January as crews upgrade the Roosevelt Water Conservation District (RWCD) canal to prepare for construction, slated to coincide with a canal dry-up beginning Dec. 23.

Not affiliated with this project, but of note for planning travel, Lindsay Road is scheduled to be closed at Appleby through Dec. 29, so a contractor may conduct improvements at the RWCD structure at that location during the scheduled dry-up.

Traffic is shifted to the west side of Gilbert Road, one lane in each direction from Mead Drive to just south of Ocotillo Road.

Electrical crews have completed installing conduit in the project area for

the first phase of the SRP conversion (Wood Drive to Powell Place), and SRP crews have begun pulling wire through the newly installed conduit as part of the conversion of the overhead power lines to underground in this area. Electrical crews are working on the second phase of the SRP conversion (Powell Place to just south of Ocotillo Road) to complete installation of electrical conduit. Once the conduit is in place, SRP crews can pull wire so the power poles can be removed.

Traffic near the RWCD crossing under Gilbert Road, just south of Ocotillo Road, is currently shifted to the east side of Gilbert Road on temporary asphalt as crews work to construct the west half of the RWCD box culvert. The new culvert is being constructed just south of the

Bus and light rail holiday schedule changes

Valley Metro reminds riders that changes take place to bus and light rail schedules during the holiday season. Schedule changes:

Christmas Eve, Tue., Dec. 24

Buses and light rail will run on a Sunday schedule

Customer service will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Christmas, Wed., Dec. 25

Buses and light rail will run on a Sunday schedule. Customer service will be closed.

New Year’s Eve, Tue., Jan. 31

Light rail will operate a weekday schedule with

existing box culvert, one-half at a time to maintain traffic on Gilbert Road. Crews are nearing completion constructing the west half of the box culvert. Scheduled to take place next week, crews will once again place temporary asphalt over the west half of the box culvert to be able to shift traffic back to the west side of Gilbert Road at the RWCD crossing. During the scheduled RWCD dry-up, crews will also work at this location to tie-in the newly constructed box culvert with the existing RWCD system.

Also scheduled this month, crews will work to stake and prepare the subsurface of the east side of Gilbert Road for curb and gutter from Powell Place to the RWCD canal; and crews will begin building the subsurface of the east side of Gilbert

extended hours until 2 a.m. to accommodate event crowds

Buses will operate a regular weekday schedule

Buses in Tempe will offer enhanced service to accommodate event crowds

Customer service will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

New Year’s Day, Wed., Jan. 1

Buses and light rail will operate a Sunday schedule Customer service will be closed.

For more information, contact Customer Service at 602-253-5000 or visit valleymetro.org

Road, from Wood Drive to Brooks Farm Road. This work may be intermittent as the majority of work will need to take place at the canal crossings on Gilbert and Ocotillo roads during the scheduled RWCD dry-up.

Drivers are reminded to be careful while driving through the construction zone, and may continue to visit local businesses during construction.

To learn more and for the latest updates on construction, visit GilbertRoadImprovements.com or call 480-898-4100.

DEADLINES FOR SANTAN SUN NEWS

The deadline for news and advertising is noon, Tue., Dec. 24 for the Jan. 4, 2014 issue of the SanTan Sun News.

All news must be submitted to News@SanTanSun.com by that day to be considered for the next issue or by filling in the “submit a news release” form on the newspaper’s website at SanTanSun.com. To send an item for consideration in the SanTan Family Fun, email it directly to STFF@SanTanSun.com.

Send advertising files and information to account reps or contact Ads@SanTanSun.com. For deadline information, visit SanTanSun.com and click on “About us” and call 480-732-0250 for advertising rate details.