FREE SUBSCRIPTION
Glendale’s Community Newspaper
Vol. 78 No. 51
Inside This Week
911 Toy Drive gifts families with its ‘presents’ BY JOE MCHUGH
W
Glendale Star Staff Writer
BUSINESS .... 12
Local apartment homes sell for $33.5 million
FEATURES .... 18
Golf tournament offers sponsorship opportunities
December 22, 2022
www.glendalestar.com
hen it comes to Santa, the red velvet suit with white, fluffy lining and the patented red floppy top hat topped with a white bulb is a common depiction of the jolly holiday figure. But the Glendale Police Department has taken that characterization and made it its own, becoming “Blue Santa” around the holiday time, giving gifts to underprivileged children across the city. “It’s huge because obviously there are people in need everywhere and any kind of help we can get to facilitate the assistance (feels great),” Glendale Police Officer and “Blue Santa” Greg Mills said. “This is just one of those events where there’s a lot of kids out there with nothing, and we’re able to provide for them.”
The Blue Santas are a part of the 911 Toy Drive, a program organized by W. Steven Martin that focuses on bridging the gap between the public and the police officers who patrol the area. Through donations of toys and giving back to the community, police officers get to show a side of them that many don’t often see. “The one thing I always tell people is unless you’re related to a police officer or you have a friend who’s a police officer, usually when you’re encountering a police officer, it may not be the best situation where we come into contact,” Mills said. “Especially for little kids, it’s really good for us to show them a different side of who we are, that we’re nice people. We’re just SEE DRIVE PAGE 8
The Glendale Police Department uses “Blue Santa” to give gifts to underprivileged children. (Glendale Police Department/Submitted)
City council reinstalls incumbent councilmembers BY JOE MCHUGH
O
Glendale Star Staff Writer
YOUTH .........22 22
Former PUSD student presents at conference
OPINION .................... 10 BUSINESS ...................12 SPORTS ..................... 14 CALENDAR................. 16 FEATURES.................. 18 RELIGION ................... 20 YOUTH ....................... 22 CLASSIFIEDS ............. 24
n Dec. 13, Glendale City Council reinstalled three councilmembers back onto the bench. Councilmembers Jamie Aldama, Bart Turner and Lauren Tolmachoff all ran unopposed and secured another term in supporting the community of Glendale. All three are entering a third consecutive term on Glendale City Council. “What an exciting night for the city of Glendale,” said Sue Breding, executive communications officer for the city of Glendale.
“(The reinstallation ceremony) is important because with their hopes they are trusted with the powers and the responsibilities defined by Glendale City Charter.” Aldama, the representative from the Ocotillo District, is a fourth-generation Glendale resident who has devoted his service to helping small businesses thrive in the city. He also works heavily with the community, trying to find partnerships that help the broader Ocotillo District. Aldama has worked his way through the ranks and currently is serving as Glendale’s vice mayor. “I look forward to working over the next We are offering
$ BESTOF
2021
40 Years Serving the Central Valley
Celebrating 40 Years Serving The Valley! SINCE 1982 • ROC #C39-312643
40 OFF
our Brewer’s Deluxe 20 point Tune up REG. $119
four years to bring upon additional improvements to Glendale into our district,” Aldama said. “I look forward to serving with Councilmember Tolmachoff and Councilmember Turner. I thank you for your leadership, and I’ve learned a great deal from you. So, I look forward to serving for an additional four years with you and continue to serve with our mayor and the rest of our councilmembers.” Tolmachoff, the Cholla District councilmember, originally ran for council as an “angry resident wanting to get involved in (her) city.” Since then, she has worked SEE COUNCIL PAGE 6
www.BrewersAC.com
480-725-7303
FREE Service Call
(with repair)
Second Opinion