SanTan Sun News; 12-6-14; Community

December 6 - 19, 2014 www.SanTanSun.com

Chandler defeats Hamilton in Div. I state football championship

BY SETH COX

For the first time in 65 years, the Chandler High School Wolves claimed a state football championship, with an emphatic 28-7 win over intra-city rival Hamilton High School in the Division I title game on Nov. 28. Even though Chandler’s offense was the big story heading into the 2014 season, it was the Wolves’ defense that came through time and time again, says Chandler Head Coach Shaun Aguano.

“I thought our defense won all of our games for us,” Aguano says. “Our defense is the one that got us here and won the state championship.”

Played in front of an enthusiastic crowd at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, the game began slowly with both teams trading turnovers. Chandler’s special teams muffed a punt that was recovered by Hamilton’s Rico Tipton at the Chandler 14-yard line, but Chandler got it right back as defensive lineman Kalif Roberts sacked Hamilton quarterback James Sosinski, causing a fumble that Chandler recovered.

From there, Chandler’s offense found its groove, as quarterback Bryce Perkins showed his magic, marching the Wolves 66 yards down the field. Perkins capped the drive with a 21-yard touchdown run

‘Tis the season to help one another

BY TRACY HOUSE

to put Chandler on the board first, 7-0. Hamilton generated a long drive of its own, as Sosinski found Ari Johnson on third and 19 for a 27-yard catch and run on a screen pass, before delivering a perfect strike to Kyeler Burke to get Hamilton to the 9 yard line. Another Sosinski turnover, however, halted Hamilton’s drive.

The holidays are filled with the bustle of shopping, cooking and merriment. But for some, the holidays are stressful because they can’t provide meals or presents for their family members and children. In Chandler, there are opportunities for the community, businesses, organizations and individuals to share a little holiday spirit with those who may be struggling this season. Many nonprofits in the community work together to share lists and meet the needs of those who reach out for help. “For Our City” coordinates registrations so that there are no duplicates and all families who need help can receive aid throughout the season. For more information about holiday drives in Chandler, visit www.forourcity.org/ Holiday_Drives_2014.

This led to Chandler’s 98-yard, 10-minute drive, capped by a Perkins to Micah Reed-Campos touchdown pass for a 13-0 lead. In that drive, Perkins made several big-time throws, including a third and 16 conversion to N’Keal Harry and a third and nine conversion to Justin Jan to keep the drive alive.

Hamilton tried to cut the 13-0 margin,

Matthew’s Crossing

Throughout the holiday season, Matthew’s Crossing offers numerous opportunities to get involved and make the winter holidays special for

but missed a long field goal before halftime.

The second half opened with an efficient 63-yard scoring drive by Hamilton, as Sosinski, Ari Johnson and Ernesto Mauricio took turns rushing the football. On third and nine from the 12 yard line, Hamilton ran its option to the left, but Brandon Krcilek sprinted from his wide receiver position to gather the pitch from Sosinski on a reverse and ran for Hamilton’s first touchdown, trimming the score to 13-7.

Hamilton’s opportunistic defense then forced its own turnover as Kyeler Burke intercepted a Perkins pass, giving the ball back to Hamilton at its one-yard line.

Hamilton then leaned on its rushing attack as Sosinski, Johnson, Rashad Williams and Rico Tipton sparked the Huskies offense, driving to Chandler’s 34 yard line. The game would change dramatically from there.

On fourth and one, Hamilton Head Coach Steve Belles elected to go for it. The Huskies handed the ball to their workhorse, Johnson, but Chandler was ready and the Wolves’ defensive line forced Johnson to bounce the run outside. With a clutch tackle, Jaray Mills

Chandler eyesore comes tumbling down

BY CURT BLAKENEY

The concrete skeleton that cut into the Chandler skyline for close to a decade was a hulking reminder of the real estate excesses of the mid 2000s.

On Thursday, Nov. 20, Elevation Chandler—the underfunded real estate project near Chandler Fashion Center—came tumbling down to the cheers of politicians, business leaders, community residents and gawkers, some toting infants and pets.

The conquering hero was Chris Anderson, the managing director for Hines, a Houston-based real estate development company placed in charge of the bold mixed-use project that will add luxury apartments, a hotel, offices and retail space to the property.

City bigwigs took turns donning hard hats to get close-up photos with the Cat 385CL Hydraulic Excavator brought in to raze the industrial blot on the landscape. Afterward, the 92ton excavator from local demolition company BCS Enterprises disassembled six stories and 135,000 square feet of concrete from the valuable real estate to clear room for the new Chandler Viridian project.

The entire cleanup, which includes hauling off 3,500 cubic yards of concrete rubble—roughly 350 fully loaded dump trucks—from SEE ELEVATION CHANDLER CLEANUP PAGE 5

GRAND OPENING COMING SOON!

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

—LUKE 2:13-15

www.CourtyardInteriorsDesign.com

Design. Installation. Contracting. Residential. Commercial.

CHAMBERLAIN ORTHODONTICS GIVING TREE

From Dr. Chamberlain’s Desktop

his year at Chamberlain Orthodontics we are working with the Boys & Girls Club of East Valley (BGCEV) and having a Giving Tree in our office. With your help with those in need we have the ability to bring smiles to some children’s faces.

Boys & Girls Club of East Valley is a community-based, character building, youth development organization. They deliver the highest quality programs and provide opportunities to assist youth and teens in developing their selfesteem, values and skills in a safe and fun environment. Their professionals guide members through personal, educational and social development to realize their full potential and

Dr. Thomas Chamberlain

become positive, valueoriented and productive citizens. Boys and Girls Clubs of the East Valley offer life-changing programs to more than 43,000 children and teens every year.

Our giving tree is adorned with ornaments listing children’s ages from 5yrs to 18yrs old, and gifts ranging from $15 and $25. So when you are running around town, please stop by one of the Chamberlain Orthodontic offices, pick out an ornament or two, and help make a child’s season brighter. A Giving Tree has been set up at both of our office locations.

this statement. It seems in my life, whenever I have had the opportunity to give to someone, I have received much more in return.“ said Dr. Thomas Chamberlain. “This is an easy and convenient way to share some of the abundance with which we have been blessed.”

The ornaments will be on the trees until Dec 12th, although we hope that the tree will be bare long before that time. Simply pick out an ornament from the tree, shop for the gift and return the gift to one of our offices in a gift bag. The ornament is our gift to you to hang on your tree!

“Nothing is more satisfying than just giving to someone,” I have always loved the truth of

If you have any questions about the Giving Tree, give our office a call at 480-448-2477. Thank you in advance for your support this holiday season!

Two Chandler Locations:

3800 W. Ray Road (Ray & McClintock)

1055 W. Queen Creek Rd. (Queen Creek and Alma School)

the 26-acre parcel of land, is estimated to cost upward of $200,000 and will be completed in late December or early January, according to Anderson.

“Quite frankly, we wanted to get it down as fast as we could for the city and for our neighbors,” Anderson says. “It’s truly a great day for Chandler. We’re glad we could deliver this present to the city of Chandler and their residents, because I know they have been wanting to see this happen for a long time.”

Because of the steel rebar reinforcing the concrete foundation and walls, the construction crew had to forgo a wrecking ball and dynamite, and instead use the less dramatic picking-and-pulling action of the Cat excavator. It didn’t wow the crowd as many expected, but it got the job done in a timely manner.

“This is a great day for Chandler residents, and I’m glad that we can finally begin looking toward the future on this site,” says Chandler Mayor Jay Tibshraeny, who points out that the timing of the structure demolition was the most commonly asked question he received as mayor. “This is a signature intersection for our city, and Chandler residents deserve to have a quality project located there.”

Chandler residents were thrilled to see the old project topple and a new project take its place.

“It’s been an eyesore for the entire community,” says resident and businessman Erik Rothchild. “It’s about time we rid the area of the somber reminder of the economy crashing and the effect it had on Chandler. This signals a forward step

in the development of Chandler as a viable destination for new businesses and residents.”

The original Elevation Chandler project stalled after developer Jeff Cline ran out of funds in 2006, defaulting on the loan.

Lien holder Point Center Financial took ownership of the property, but later filed for bankruptcy, which was then followed by numerous foreclosures and lawsuits.

After several years of starts, stops and missteps, the Chandler City Council approved an agreement with Hines in September to develop the $150-million Chandler Viridian project on the property, which Hines purchased for $8.25 million. It was the last available site adjacent to the Chandler Fashion Center.

“It is great to see a new development

Sunday, Dec. 14 and Monday, Dec. 15 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21 and Monday, Dec. 22 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

taking the place of Elevation Chandler,” says Larry Miller, senior associate at Velocity Retail Group. “Adding residents, businesses, and hotel guests to such a premium location in the Chandler mall trade area will only continue to help the growth of retailers and restaurants in the area.”

Plans call for the addition of a luxury multifamily complex, a six-story brand name hotel, a central plaza with 250,000 square feet of Class A office space, retail options and a pedestrian promenade to the Chandler Fashion Center.

“The project is very exciting for the city as it adds a new component to the mall area with a class A hotel, office and high-end, multifamily dwellings where people can live, work and play,” says Chandler City Council Vice Mayor Rick Heumann.

Hines has the chops to complete the project, having developed 2.4 million square feet in Arizona and New Mexico since 1996. Notable high-profile projects developed or owned by Hines include 24th at Camelback, 24th at Camelback II, Renaissance Square and Kierland One in Phoenix, Gila River Arena in Glendale (home to the Arizona Coyotes) and US Airways Headquarters in Tempe. With offices in 113 cities and 18 countries, and controlled assets valued at approximately $24.3 billion, Hines is one of the largest real estate organizations in the world.

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

stopped Johnson for a loss and gave the ball back to Chandler.

The Wolves leaned on Perkins, and the senior signal caller didn’t disappoint. The Wolves marched down the field and Perkins capped the drive with a 7-yard touchdown run and a 21-7 lead.

Chandler tacked on another touchdown, this time on a ReedCampos rushing touchdown, for an insurmountable 28-7 lead.

For the game, Chandler’s defense forced three turnovers and made big plays against Hamilton. But the compelling story in Chandler was the title victory engineered by Perkins.

This was the last season at Chandler High for Perkins, an Arizona State verbal commitment, but Chase Lucas, ReedCampos, Harry and a host of other key contributors to the Wolves’ state championship will be back in 2015.

Meanwhile, Hamilton is dealing with back-to-back state championship losses—it was beaten by Mountain Pointe in the 2013 Division I championship game—but after playing in seven straight championship title games, there is little doubt that it will be a formidable contender in 2015. Belles, who has a 1-3 record against Chandler with Perkins at quarterback, is looking for redemption in 2015

“I’m just glad I won’t have to coach against him next year,” Belles says.

Seth Cox is a freelancer for the SanTan Sun News. He can be reached at news@santansun.com.

Tax credits fund many student programs

BY MEGAN BROWN

Arizona taxpayers have the opportunity provide much-needed funding to schools— including the Chandler Unified School District—and receive a tax credit in return.

The CUSD is home to 42 elementary, middle and high schools with an abundance of student programs and extracurricular activities. Sometimes, students and parents cannot bear the financial burden of participating in these sometimes-costly pastimes. To offset costs for these students and families, as well as make improvements for existing participants, tax credits are an invaluable source of funds.

Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar refunds in the actual tax owed by taxpayers. Fees directly paid to a public school or school district qualify for the tax credit, according to the CUSD website. This means, taxpayers who owe money to the state may actually receive a refund through the tax credit program or increase the refund they’ll already collect.

Taxpayers are permitted per Arizona law to make a tax credit contribution of up to $400 if filing joint return, and $200 if filing

as single or head of household.

Last year, CUSD received $2.3 million in tax credit funding for its schools, says Terry Locke, CUSD director of community relations.

An example of activities that heavily rely on tax credit donations are the district’s band programs. Locke says that large organizations like the band have high costs that are offset through these contributions.

“Certainly high school athletics and performing arts raise the most money,” Locke says. “These are large operations and it is costly to travel to, say, band competitions, even here in the state. For a marching band, they will need three school buses and three equipment trucks, for example. It is not that they receive less funding, it’s because they have large operating costs.”

Taxpayers can access tax credit contribution forms at www.cusd80.com/ tax-credit.html. They have the option of making online donations or downloading the form to fill out and mail directly to CUSD.

Taxpayers have the choice to select a

specific school’s program. Additional space is provided to give a student’s name to receive credit for the funds. However, that information is not necessary.

In instances where taxpayers do not specifically designate funds for an intended purpose, the schools’ principals are permitted to distribute the funds to programs with the highest need.

“This is helpful because it gives a principal an opportunity to fill in the gaps on budgets that could vary from year to year,” Locke says. “For example, if one grade level had no donations for field trips, the principal would have the funds to assist.”

Schools with a large number of students on free or reduced lunch also strongly benefit from tax credits. Locke says these schools are appreciative of such donations as parents may not be able to make a donation even though they will receive a full refund.

Megan Brown is a third-year student at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University.

Shalom Chapter of Hadassah shops

It is once again time for the Shalom Chapter’s annual shopping marathon from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9. This year, stores at SanTan Village in Gilbert

have been added to the shopping event. A 10-percent cash donation is given to the chapter on all sales at Chico’s, Soma and White House Black Market. For

information, call Judi at (480) 802-4944 or Diane at (480) 895-6917.

children and families.

Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank is a community-based nonprofit organization that helps more than 43,000 individuals, providing 13,289 emergency food boxes last year alone. With the help and dedication of approximately 50 regular and 150 seasonal volunteers, Matthew’s Crossing has served nearly 17,000 households, 40 percent of which include children younger than age 18.

On Saturday, Nov. 22, the nonprofit improved this year’s Thanksgiving for 500 households by hosting a meal at Praise and Worship Center.

The PayPal Operations office in Chandler partnered with Matthew’s Crossing for the third year on the Thanksgiving Food Bag drive so employees could give back to the local community, collecting an estimated 500 bags of food for the meal. Alongside this drive, the nonprofit worked with Wal-Mart store number 4324 to make this Thanksgiving a memorable one.

Matthew’s Crossing received turkeys at a discount, funds for the event and a Walmart 18-wheeler to distribute 500 turkeys. Chad O’Malley, store manager for the Wal-Mart store, located at 1900 E. Chandler Blvd., states “Our store believes in building strong partnerships with organizations that serve our community.”

Volunteers from Matthew’s Crossing, Walmart and PayPal, including 10 bilingual speakers, were at Praise and

Worship Center, conducting a “drivethrough” distribution for clients who had been issued vouchers.

Matthew’s Crossing Executive Director Jan Terhune shares that the core mission of the food bank is to unite the community to fight hunger.

“We know that one in four Arizona children go to bed hungry each night. Arizona is ranked among the worst states in the U.S. when it comes to child hunger, and the fifth worst for overall food insecurity. We are so grateful that our partners, PayPal and Walmart, are helping us in our pursuit to put an end to hunger in Arizona.”

Go Sold Realty

Donation boxes are out at Go Sold Realty. Nick Trevillian, founder and CEO, says the office heard about Matthew’s Crossing and wanted to support a local organization.

“Every year at Go Sold Realty we do something for the holidays,” Trevillian says.

Moved by the need at Matthew’s Crossing, the office is collecting nonperishable items through the end of the year. “We wanted to make an impact, more than one meal,” Trevillian states. The goal is to collect food that is going to feed families through January

Dental Care

and next year.

As the donation boxes fill up, Matthew’s Crossing will pick up the donations and leave more boxes to be filled. “They’re taking canned foods (fruits and vegetables), macaroni, peanut butter, all the canned stuff and boxed stuff that’s not perishable,” Trevillian says. “They stock their food shelves, and literally families that are hungry, walk in and get dinner. We’re trying to help them out, get some food. It’s something we believe in and wanted to help out.”

Go Sold Realty is located at 3940 S. Alma School Rd. For more information call (480) 305-6655.

CFHM toy drive

Once again, the Chandler Fire, Health and Medical Department is sponsoring its annual toy drive. From 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, representatives from CFHM will be at Chandler Fashion Center, 3111 W. Chandler Blvd., near the valet parking area by the food court, accepting toy donations and giving anyone who donates a new unwrapped toy a ride in a fire engine.

Debbe Simpkins, fire program coordinator, anticipates helping between 600 and 800 children

through age 18 this year. Gift cards in denominations of $10 are used for the older teens, while children receive the toys.

“Our toy drive is coordinated as part of all the other toy drives that go on in the city with other nonprofits, like ICAN and the Christian Community Center, and the Salvation Army and the Boys and Girls Club. We’re all part of the group called For Our City. Our toys help the families that are registered through Chandler Care Center,” Simpkins explains. Any toys leftover are passed on to the Chandler Christian Community Center.

Toy donations can be brought to the lobby of the Fire Administration Headquarters, 151 E. Boston St., or any Chandler fire station until Dec. 15. Last year, CFHM collected more than 3,200 toys, over $2,000 in gift cards and numerous bicycles and scooters, all of which found homes with grateful children.

Salvation Army seasonal activities

For the Salvation Army, providing food boxes is a year-round cause, but the holidays can prove to be difficult for families, causing the number in

need to increase. This year, the Salvation Army is sponsoring a Christmas Angel Tree at Chandler Fashion Center, 3111 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler.

Maj. Robert Deidrick explains the angel tree will provide toys for children in the Chandler area. He estimates there were 600 households that registered for help with the Salvation Army this season, with more than 2,500 children in need.

To help a child, “Take a tag off the tree. It’ll be an angel tag,” he says. Shoppers can select a tag, purchase a gift and return the gift to the angel tree. Cash and gift cards are also appreciated.

In conjunction with the Christmas Angel Tree, gift-wrapping is available at the mall with set fees. “The income goes toward the Christmas expenses,” Deidrick says.

Look for Salvation Army Christmas kettles at about 35 locations in Chandler and Gilbert as well. “We can use more kettle workers. More people if they want to volunteer and we actually pay workers to work the kettles,” Deidrick says.

Funds from the kettle program also support Christmas expenses and ongoing assistance to people throughout the year. “If we don’t raise this money now, we would have to cut our budget helping people later,” Deidrick says.

Contact the Salvation Army at (480) 963-2041 with questions or to donate.

Operation Santa

Chandler Christian Community Center is sponsoring Operation Santa to empower families to have a great holiday

experience, says Lori Tapia with CCCC.

“It’s about coming in as a family, letting us know the needs, giving us the wish list for the children and us working to match those. And then we provide those gifts to the parents, unwrapped, so the parent can go home and have that time and have that Christmas with their children.”

Children through age 18, as long as they are still in school, receive gifts from CCCC. “Every child is going to get a minimum of three gifts,” she says.

Opportunities for organizations or businesses that would like to adopt a family or sponsor a toy/food drive are available. “That is a huge need this year,” Tapia says. Items needed include clothes, shoes, gift cards, food boxes, turkeys and hams. Distribution at CCCC is Dec. 22.

You can bring your donations to the center at 345 S. California St. “We love huge toy drives, but we also love those individuals with whatever is on their heart to support,” Tapia says.

State taxpayers who contribute to CCCC can receive dollar-for-dollar tax credit through the Working Poor Tax Credit. Couples filing jointly can receive up to $400 back and single tax payers can receive up to $200. Tapia explains that the school tax credit and the working poor tax credit are two different tax credits and couples or individuals can get credit for both. Donations must be made by Dec. 31. Contact Lori Tapia at lori@ chandlerfoodbank.org for more information.

Tips for a safe holiday season from Chandler PD

This year’s holiday shopping season is here. The Chandler Police Department warns that the hectic pace and deadlines add stress and a lack of focus that can lead to victimization or tragedy.

When you’re out shopping, conceal any items of value in your vehicle. Remember where you parked and which door or store entrance you used when shopping at a mall. Park your vehicle in a well-lit area and, whenever possible, avoiding shopping alone.

Be aware of your surroundings in the parking lot and while you’re shopping. Avoid looking down at your mobile

phone when you should be watching for potential dangers around you. Try not to be overloaded with shopping bags because this makes you an easy target for thieves. Avoid confrontations with other shoppers or drivers. Defensive driving and roadway courtesy can prevent a collision or road rage incident. If you do encounter a conflict, leave the area and contact the police.

The final bit of advice from the department is to always wear your seat belt and to designate a driver when alcohol consumption is a part of your holiday celebration.

FORMER ARMY INFANTRYMAN RECEIVES BRONZE STAR MEDAL

BRONZE STAR MEDAL: Trenton Mericle, a retired carpenter and former Army infantryman with the 186th Infantry Regiment, 41st Division, received a Bronze Star Medal and Combat Infantryman Badge from Army Brig. Gen. William Hall, the land component commander for the Arizona Army National Guard, on Friday, Nov. 14, at Mericle’s home in Chandler. Mericle, a .30 caliber machine gunner who fought against the Japanese in New Guinea during World War II, had never received the medals he earned during time in the Army until now. National Guard

Utility Rate Study and Gangplank approval among Chandler City Council meeting Actions

The Chandler City Council met at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, and took action on 60 agenda items, including:

• Approved a fi ve-year lease with Mac-Gray Services LLC to operate a laundry room to serve the senior adults who live in public housing at the Kingston Arms Apartments.

• Adopted a resolution authorizing the Arizona Mutual Aid Compact Agreement among the State of Arizona, various counties tribes and local municipalities for dispatching mutual aid assistance during an emergency or disaster.

• Approved a $200,000 contract extension with Signal One Fire & Communication LLC and Aero Automatic Sprinkler Co. for fi re protection services, repair and maintenance at various City of Chandler facilities.

• Approved an agreement with

Raftelis Financial Consultants Inc. for a water, wastewater and reclaimed water utility rate study to evaluate rate changes being considered for October.

• Approved a professional services contract with Gangplank LLC for a collaborative co-working space; Web and technology development; technology recruitment; and educational-related services in the amount not to exceed $550,000 over three years.

• Approved a Liquor Use Permit to Makutu’s Island.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Mayor Jay Tibshraeny expressed his appreciation to the Hines Group for developing the new Chandler Viridian project and working quickly to take down and remove the unfi nished shell of the former Elevation Chandler project near Chandler Fashion Center.

Councilman Jeff Weninger

congratulated TechShop and ASU on the one-year anniversary of their downtown Chandler location, and congratulated Gangplank on its new agreement with the City.

Councilman Jack Sellers talked about his Maricopa Association of Governments trip to Hermosillo, Mexico, to discuss economic development and tourism opportunities; fi nd ways to improve the trade and transportation corridor; and advance cooperation between both regions.

Vice Mayor Rick Heumann congratulated Weninger on his election to the Arizona State Legislature representing District 17.

Councilwoman Trinity Donovan encouraged the public to visit www. fourourcity.org/Chandler.html to get information on holiday drives in the community. She praised Councilman

Kevin Hartke for his work on behalf of For Our City.

During a regular City Council meeting on Monday, Nov. 17, the council took action on nine items. During the study session on Nov. 17, Tibshraeny, Hartke and the rest of the council recognized several City employees for their years of service including: Ginger Chabot, 25 years, Information Technology; Wes Eades, 20 years, Building and Facilities; Nan Kahl, 15 years, City Clerk’s; Tom Shaw, 15 years, Fire, Health and Medical; and Barbara Young, 25 years, Recreation.

The next meeting of the City Council is a regular meeting at 7 p.m., followed by a study session on Monday, Dec. 8. Council meetings are aired live, as well as replayed, on Chandler Channel 11 and streamed on the Web at www. chandleraz.gov/video.

Grant funds increase seat belt and safety seat enforcement

The Chandler Police Department is using a $20,000 grant from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety to increase enforcement of seat belt laws through Sept. 30. Although Arizona has a secondary seat belt law, the enforcement campaign is based on high visibility traffic enforcement with a zero-tolerance approach toward seat belt and child safety seat usage. As a part of the national ClickIt-Or-Ticket seat belt enforcement

campaign, officers from Chandler Police Department’s Traffic Unit are increasing enforcement efforts to drive home the message: Buckle Up Arizona...It’s the Law!

Research indicates regular seat belt

use is the single most effective way to protect people and reduce fatalities in motor vehicle crashes. When worn correctly, seat belts reduce serious crash-related injuries and deaths by 50 percent.

Your Rocky Point Specialist!

Your Rocky Point Specialist!

✔ Print your policy in 10 minutes and GO! ✔ Choose the BEST RATEfrom 5 companies

Chandler libraries offer eAudiobooks from the cloud

Chandler Public Library is one of the first libraries in the country to offer eAudiobooks through the 3M Cloud Library Digital Lending System. Listen to eAudiobook titles with content from every major eAudiobook publisher, any time of day. The new content is offered in addition to the library’s existing eBook content from the 3M Cloud Library. To use the new service, download the

latest version of the 3M Cloud Library app, found at ebook.3m.com. The app is compatible with personal iPhones, iPads, Android devices, PCs, Macs, NOOKs or Kindle Fires. After downloading the app, enter your library card information to log into Chandler Public Library’s system. Then browse the collection and check out items. Info: www.chandlerlibrary.org.

Public input wanted on county hazard plan

The City of Chandler has joined forces with jurisdictions within the Valley to review and update the existing Maricopa County Multijurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. The mitigation planning process involves identifying and profiling the natural hazards most likely to occur in a community, assessing the vulnerability to these hazards, and establishing goals, strategies, actions and projects that mitigate the associated risks. The plan does not address how the City responds to emergencies like wildfires and floods, but rather the steps necessary to prevent or minimize the impact of such emergencies. The plan is at www.maricopa.gov/Emerg_Mgt/ links.aspx and feedback on Chandler’s portion of the plan can be shared with Battalion Chief Keith Hargis of the Chandler Fire, Health and Medical Department at (480) 782-2161 or at

keith.hargis@chandleraz.gov.

Maricopa County and 24 incorporated cities and towns, two tribes and one other governmental organization are participating in this cooperative effort to update the plan, which requires adjustments to maintain its relevance and remain a useful tool and resource. The update also ensures continued eligibility for nonemergency, federal and state hazard mitigation grants. The Federal Emergency Management Agency approved the current plan in April 2010 for five years. An updated draft of the plan is expected in February.

For additional information, visit www. maricopa.gov/Emerg_Mgt/ or contact Meredith Bond, Maricopa County Department of Emergency Management, at (602) 273-1411 or bondm@mail.maricopa.gov.

Chandler celebrates Parade of Lights and tree lighting Dec. 6

The holiday season in downtown Chandler officially begins Saturday, Dec. 6, with the 25th annual Parade of Lights followed by the lighting of the 58th Tumbleweed Tree. More than 12,000 people are expected to join this Southwestern holiday tradition that dates back to 1957.

Festivities begin at 4:30 p.m. with a musical and dance entertainment, inflatables and fun activities for children, pony rides and visits with Santa Claus in Dr. A.J. Chandler Park. New this year is an Ugly Sweater Contest open to individuals, couples and families. Details at www. chandleraz.gov/tumbleweedtree.

The Parade of Lights begins at 7 p.m. starting at the corner of Arizona Avenue and Frye Road. The festive floats and other entries move north on Arizona Avenue, past Chandler City Hall and continue through the downtown area. As it reaches the north end of Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, the procession turns right on Buffalo Street, then again right onto Arizona Place. Moving along the east side of Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, the parade ends at Boston Street and Arizona Place.

At the conclusion of the parade

(approximately 8 p.m.), guests are invited to gather for the Tumbleweed Tree-lighting ceremony. Find out more at www.chandleraz.gov/ tumbleweedtree.

For the festivities, Arizona Avenue is closed between Chandler Boulevard and Frye Road from 3:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Frye Road is also restricted from Arizona Avenue east to Delaware Street. A map showing street closures and parking options, including parking for the disabled, is online at www. chandleraz.gov/special-events.

Ocotillo Road requires closures through Dec. 18

Ocotillo Road is closed between McQueen Road and Arizona Avenue at the Union Pacific Railroad crossing through Dec. 18 to widen the railroad crossing in conjunction with improvements being made to Ocotillo Road. The project widens Ocotillo Road from two lanes to four lanes between Arizona Avenue and McQueen Road.

During the closure, alternative eastwest routes include Queen Creek and Chandler Heights roads. Local access to homes and businesses along Ocotillo Road are maintained during the closure, but no through-traffic is possible at the railroad crossing.

Info at www. OcotilloRoadImp rovements.com or (480) 898-4060.

DEADLINES FOR SANTAN SUN NEWS

The deadline for news is 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, for the Saturday, Dec. 20, issue of the SanTan Sun News. Meanwhile, the advertising deadline is 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11. 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 www.santansun.com and click on “About us” and call (480) 7320250 for advertising rate details.

Take survey to help prioritize next year’s City budget

Chandler’s Budget Office is conducting an online survey of residents about program and service priorities and capital project priorities, as staff and the City Council develop the budget for the upcoming 20152016 fiscal year (which starts July 1). Share opinions at www.chandleraz. gov/budget through Dec. 19. The online survey is available in Spanish and English.

Paper copies of the survey are available at the City Hall front desk, libraries, the downtown Community, Senior, Environmental Education, Snedigar Recreation and the Tumbleweed Recreation centers.

The survey results are presented

to the city manager as well as Mayor Jay Tibshraeny and the members of the City Council as part of the budget development process.

The public has 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.

On Feb. 26, the Budget Connect online forum is another opportunity to ask questions and give input. Details on this event and other public budget hearings are posted at www.chandleraz. gov/budget when they are available, or call the Budget Office at (480) 782-2252 for updates.

Volunteer to brighten the holidays

Enjoy the spirit of the season by volunteering or donating to one of the many holiday drives held throughout Chandler. Find a list of the nonprofit agencies seeking donations of cash, food, clothing or gifts by visiting www. forourcity.org and clicking on the Chandler logo. The website provides information on where to volunteer, where to refer someone in need and

where to donate. You might donate cleaning supplies to the Boys & Girls Clubs of the East Valley; toys and clothing to the Chandler Christian Community Center; or food to Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank. Those wanting to get involved can also contact Niki Tapia, community resources coordinator, niki.tapia@chandleraz.gov or (480) 782-2214.