SanTan Sun News; 3-21-15: Community

Chandler’s finest remembered, honored during ceremony

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

The Chandler Police Department honored a few of its own during its annual awards ceremony on March 11.

Among those remembered was Officer David Payne who was killed when a drunk driver hit his motorcycle while he was on duty.

“The Purple Heart award is given to recognize a member of the department who receives serious bodily injury as a result of a felonious assault,” says Sgt. Seth Tyler, Chandler Police Department public information officer.

“This felonious assault must be by a suspect.”

Tyler did not attend the awards, due to a sick family member, but he heard that the ceremony was incredibly moving.

“It’s definitely been a trying few months,” he said.

Not only did Payne die, but Officer Bryan Holmes was killed the same week when the motorcycle he was riding to work was hit by an SUV at the intersection of Recker and Baseline roads.

The CPD’s morale seems to be improving despite the loss of two officers in one week, Tyler says. “Things are starting

Sky’s the limit for incoming airpark leader

BY KEN ABRAMCZYK

Armed with a background in economic development, Chris Andres is looking forward to bringing his experience to Chandler as he begins his stint as airport administrator for the Chandler Municipal Airport on March 23.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to work with a variety of interests including the development community, regulatory agencies, community groups and airport businesses,” says Andres, who is leaving his post as business development administrator for the City of Phoenix Aviation Department’s real estate portfolio.

“The opportunity to lead this airport and to be a part of such a highly regarded city government as Chandler is incredibly appealing to me.”

Andres positioned the Phoenix Goodyear

Airport for new opportunities in the West Valley and negotiated and executed a development lease for a fixed base operator at that airport, according to Julie Rodriguez, spokeswoman for Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

“Chris led the development of the department’s real estate development strategy for off-airport properties at Sky Harbor and for new development at the Deer Valley and Goodyear airports,” Rodriguez said. Andres oversaw the city’s 550-acre commerce park, Phoenix Sky Harbor Center, and the business operations of Sky Harbor’s Rental Car Center. Rodriguez said Andres was a valuable member of the Phoenix Aviation team and he will be missed.

In his new role, Andres expects to

WHAT IS YOUR HOME WORTH TODAY? SEE PAGE 18

“You didn’t have to ask him to redo anything. It was done right and in a timely manner. He’s the guy who gave 110 percent each and every shift he worked.”

He wasn’t the only officer honored. Nathan Jacobs was dubbed Police Officer of the Year for his work on revamping the report writing procedures.

The following employees and units were also honored:

• The Unit Citation award is presented to a Department team or unit whose actions exemplify the mission statement of the Chandler Police Department. Three Department units were presented with a Unit Citation award:

• Polar Ice Team Two: Sgts. Ray Kieffer Emma Bribiescas and Officers Leonard Bettendorf, Loranda Tibble, Gene Campbell, Jeffrey Delnero, Nate Eckwood, Nicole Cockerham, and Keith Aguiar

• The Victim Services Unit: Katie Cain, Jean Watson, Denise Allen, and Veronica Vierra.

Cancer survivors featured at March fashion show

BY MEGHAN MCCOY

Being diagnosed with thyroid cancer at age 33 was tough on Shannon Schiefer. She didn’t have any symptoms, but after bloodwork showed an overactive thyroid, her doctor suggested additional testing.

“I met with a physician. His wife had thyroid cancer and he asked. “Why don’t we do an ultrasound?” the Chander resident recalls.

Much to her surprise, nodules were found and a thyroidectomy was performed. Additionally, she underwent whole body radiation.

A full-time employee at Cancer Support Community, a nonprofit dedicated to providing support, education and hope to cancer patients and families, Schiefer had the support she needed.

“I was 33 years old and I didn’t know

anybody who had cancer at my age,” she says. “So ironically, working for the Cancer Support Community was extremely helpful.” Schiefer is giving back to the organization that helped her so much. She is one of 18 models who are cancer survivors participating in the “Sharing Our Beauty and Strength—A Fashion Event to Celebrate the Power of Community,” from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, March 28. The fashion show, which benefits the Cancer Support Community, will be held at its office at 360 E. Palm Ln., Phoenix.

“I love to support the Cancer Support Community in any way,” Schiefer says. “I think it’s wonderful to use cancer survivors to feature the designs they are doing because it is the great beauty and strength that comes through someone who is going

closely with City of Chandler’s leadership, tenants, business partners and community stakeholders to meet Chandler’s current and future airport needs.

“A successful airport relies on strong partnerships and my role is to strengthen the existing relationships and develop new, long-lasting ones,” Andres says.

Feedback is key for Andres. He wants to meet with stakeholders early and “the dedicated team” at the airport to listen to them and obtain their thoughts about the airport.

“One of my first projects will be an economic study of the airport by Arizona

State University,” says Andres, who earned a master’s degree in planning from Arizona State University. “I think the results of the study will clarify just how much the airport contributes to the Chandler economy.”

Chandler Municipal Airport handles more than 200,000 takeoffs and landings per year, and serves as a base for charter, transport and sightseeing excursions.

“Airports and aviation play a special role in American history and culture,” Andres says. “I enjoy the history, the technology and the passion around aviation.”

Andres’ long-term goals are to ensure the airport meets the current and future needs of Chandler. He wants to continue to “ensure the safe and efficient operations at Chandler, support economic development activities and increase airport revenue to free up general fund resources,” Andres says.

Andres believes Chandler competes “very well” with other municipal airports in the region. “It is the 40th busiest general aviation airport in the country, has a strong and diverse tenant base, and experienced recent success in new hangar development,” Andres says. “Most recently, the Wingspan project is a strong vote of confidence from the aviation business community in the airport.”

Chandler “does well” in comparison to other airports with “high-quality staffing, an engaged Airport Commission, a strong tenant base and supportive city leadership,” Andres says.

“Chandler has many reasons to be proud of its airport and I am very excited to join this team,” Andres says.

Puppy Day (March 23)

fashion show, brunch, raffle, as well as a timeless and trendy accessories silent auction. To purchase tickets, visit www.cscaz.org.

The event pairs cancer survivors from throughout the Valley with local boutiques and designers to dress them based on their journey and their unique story.

“They just have really come out to be very powerful because it is their story and it’s the truth,” Hardison says.

Hardison is interviewing each model and will be sharing their in-depth story in the form of a poem.

through something so difficult. It gives people so much hope.”

Paula Hardison, event chairwoman and former Cancer Support Community executive director, says that to honor cancer survivors’ journeys, the organization needed to do more than just a typical fashion show.

“It needed to capture the significance of what these women have gone through and that pure beauty comes from within,” Hardison says. “All of these women, their cancer doesn’t define them. It’s their life, priorities and their inner beauty that defines them.”

Tickets start at $125 and include the

“I’m working with each of the models to match them up with eight boutiques online to assist,” she says. “They have all agreed to dress two models and provide gift certificates. They were very gracious and supportive.”

The models, ranging from teenagers to women in their 70s, are working with the local boutiques Kiss Me Kate, A Cool Breeze, Alixandra Collections, Babette, Femme, Nouvelle Armoire, Objects, Studio Joy Li and Saks 5th Avenue to select an outfit that represents their struggles, disappointments, anger, sadness, courage, frustrations, joy and victories through their fight with cancer.

Karen Fisch, a style consultant for the fashion show, says the models will be dressed to reflect their feelings and

journeys.

“We are not just putting the latest fashion on the model,” Fisch says.

Schiefer is curious about the style that has been chosen for her. She says Hardison and Fisch asked questions specific to her— what she learned from her cancer journey and what she took away from it. Schiefer is now a facilitator for the organization.

“Being an individual therapist, I know individual therapy is always helpful, but working at the Cancer Support Community, I have seen how a group setting can heal in such a beautiful way,” she says.

“I have found it to be incredibly empowering and inspiring and supportive. I guess the word ‘gratitude’ comes to mind. They hold such gratitude and support for one another. It helps me know the resilience of the human spirit. Even though I am not going through the challenges right now, knowing how strong we are with the support of each other makes me feel good inside.”

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

What: Sharing Our Beauty and Strength -- A Fashion Event to Celebrate the Power of Community, a fashion show to benefit the Cancer Support Community.

When: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, March 28

Where: 360 E. Palm Ln., Phoenix For information and tickets, visit www.cscaz.org.

City officials read to elementary students

Chandler City Council members hit the books earlier this month in honor of national Read Across America Day, Monday, March 2.

Vice Mayor Kevin Hartke and Councilmen Rick Heumann and Terry Roe volunteered to read to elementary school students to encourage them to learn to love reading.

Read Across America is celebrated across the country in conjunction with the birthday of childhood favorite Dr. Seuss. Chandler’s participation is notable this year as the newly formed Read On Chandler has officially organized to encourage literacy in the community.

Read On Chandler has set a five-year goal that 70 percent of students within Chandler’s more vulnerable neighborhoods will enter kindergarten with their first DIBELS scores at the benchmark level.

Help neighbors through the Red Cross

The American Red Cross encourages eligible blood donors to become “everyday heroes” in March by giving blood in celebration of Red Cross Month.

Since 1943, every president has designated March as Red Cross Month—a time to recognize those who support the Red Cross. Local communities depend on the Red Cross, which relies on donations of time, money and blood to fulfill its humanitarian mission.

By donating blood, eligible donors can help save the lives of patients in need. Those who are unable to give blood can support blood donations by organizing a blood drive, volunteering to assist with Red Cross activities, or creating a SleevesUp virtual blood drive online at www.redcrossblood. org/SleevesUp and asking others to make a lifesaving donation.

ICAN hosts Wellness Fair

ICAN: Positive Programs for Youth will host its third annual Wellness Fair from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, at ICAN, 650 E. Morelos St. The event is presented by Dignity Health. The Wellness Fair will feature more than 15 vendors offering community services and resources on health and wellness. Enjoy

Council approves agreements for school resource officers

The Chandler City Council took action on 24 items at its March 12 meeting.

The council approved the following items:

• Authorized intergovernmental agreements with the Chandler Unified, Mesa Unified and Kyrene school districts for the assignment of school resource officers from the Chandler Police Department to middle schools and high schools located within the city limits.

• Adopted resolutions authorizing agreements with the Maricopa Association of Governments for reimbursement of $9.4 million in construction and other costs associated with planned improvements to Cooper Road between Queen Creek and Riggs roads.

• Approved a use permit to the Ocotillo Village Health Club & Spa to allow liquor sales as permitted under a Series 7 beer and wine bar license.

• Recommended approval to the State Department of Liquor Licenses and

Control of a special event liquor license for the Chandler Jazz Festival on March 27 in downtown Chandler. An accompanying special event liquor license was also approved. The meeting was adjourned at 7:15 p.m.

Council study session

During a study session held on March 9, the mayor and council praised the staff in the City’s Purchasing Division for its exemplary work and receipt of three awards—an Outstanding Agency Accreditation Achievement Award from the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP), an Excellence in Achievement Award from the Universal Public Purchasing Certification Council and NIGP, and an Achievement of Excellence in Procurement Award from the National Purchasing Institute.

The next meeting of the City Council will be a study session at 7 p.m. Monday, March 23. Council meetings are aired live, as well as replayed on The Chandler Channel, Cable Channel 11, and streamed on the Web at www.chandleraz.gov/video

Drop off old prescriptions at event

Target, in partnership with the Chandler Police Department, will conduct a community Drug Take Back event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 21, at the Target store located at 3777 S. Arizona Ave.

Unused, expired or unwanted

prescription and over the counter medications can be turned in for disposal.

Police officers will be on site to assist and answer any questions. Educational brochures also will be provided by Chandler Police Department.

ICAN youth performances, a family craft activity, raffle and prizes.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information call ICAN at (480) 821-4207.

To make an appointment to give blood or for a list of donation sites, download the Red Cross blood donor app, visit www. redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS or 1-800-733-2767.

Republic Services opens Germann Transfer Station

Republic Services recently opened the Germann Transfer Station with a grand opening event and ribbon-cutting ceremony with community leaders, neighbors and customers.

The new transfer station is designed to help meet growing waste needs in the Valley for years to come. It is capable of processing more than 420 tons of waste per day, and will serve customers in Apache Junction, Gilbert, Mesa, Phoenix, Pinal County, Queen Creek and Tempe.

“There will always be a need for the safe disposal of certain items in landfills,” says Alberto Guardado, area president of Republic Services. “Waste is inextricably linked to population growth and economic prosperity in any community.

We believe the Valley’s brightest days are still ahead, and this new facility will support growth in our community for generations to come.”

Transfer stations serve as a central location where collection trucks consolidate waste collected from area residences or businesses, enabling trucks to more quickly return to their collection routes. This process minimizes the number of collection trucks that would otherwise haul waste over long distances to a landfill. In addition to the operational efficiencies, transfer stations can enhance roadway safety, reduce diesel fuel consumption and improve air quality in a community.

The Germann Transfer Station is

ideally located in the Southeast Valley, and is expected to eliminate roughly 4,000 collection truck trips in 2015 to outlying disposal facilities, or 15 trips per day. This is expected to reduce diesel fuel consumption in local collection trucks by

approximately 120,000 gallons in 2015, or 450 gallons per day.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the carbon emissions

Academy helps traditional neighborhoods guide their futures

Residents of traditional (non-HOA) neighborhoods can learn to create partnerships, work with City government and become community leaders through interactive workshops known as Chandler’s Traditional Neighborhood Academy.

The free academy helps Chandler residents determine the characteristics that define their neighborhoods, survey the community and develop an action plan from that survey.

Additionally, participants brainstorm concepts for logos and neighborhood identification signs that promote a sense of community.

The Traditional Neighborhood Academy consists for four workshops meeting weekly on Wednesdays from April 8 through April 29. Classes are held from 6 to 8 p.m. at Chandler City Hall, second floor, Training Room A, 175 S. Arizona Ave.

April 8: You & Your Neighborhood Participants will identify the boundaries and characteristics of their neighborhoods, discuss effective communications and develop a survey to mail in neighborhoods to determine specific challenges.

April 15: Neighborhood Leadership & Identity Participants will learn the importance

of community partnerships and discuss the characteristics of an effective leader, discuss neighborhood identity and brainstorm concepts to develop logos representative of their neighborhoods.

April 22: Know Your City Resources

Participants will receive an overview of city resources and learn how to develop positive relationships with their city government.

April 29: Moving Forward With Your Neighbors

Participants will review the neighborhood survey results and logo designs for the development of

neighborhood street signs. Participants will schedule their first neighborhood meeting to occur within one month of completing the academy. Staff will attend the meetings to address concerns within the surveys. Register by April 1 by downloading an application at www.chandleraz.gov/ neighborhoods.

For more information contact the Neighborhood Programs office at (480) 7824354 or email cristabel.dykstra@chandleraz. gov. Those who complete all four classes will receive a certificate of completion and will be recognized at a future Chandler City Council meeting.

• Great rate! Interest rate automatically increases at 8 and 16

• Flexibility! Option to withdraw all or part of the funds at 8 and 16 months without penalty

• Low Minimum! Only $2,500 required to open and maintain the account

Children sing show tunes at fundraiser to battle hunger

BY KEN ABRAMCZYK

“Stars Over Broadway,” a performance by the Phoenix Children’s Prep Chorus, will be one of the highlights of the Night to Fight Hunger Gala, a fundraiser aimed at ending hunger for children and their families.

The chorus performs at the event at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 7, at Chandler Municipal Airport. The keynote address will be delivered by Michael Ivers, president and CEO of Yuma Community Food Bank. Jimmy Davenport, owner of Starz Entertainment, will serve as the emcee. Tickets are $50 or $450 for preferred seating of a table of eight.

The event also features hors d’oeuvres, provided by one of the sponsors,

Aramark, along with wine and beer. A silent auction is also scheduled.

Proceeds from the event will go to support Matthew’s Crossing, a nonprofit food bank, to assist families with food and other basic necessities.

The event is now in its fourth year. The date of the fundraiser, April 7, is also Arizona’s Nonprofit Day, the largest giving day for nonprofits in the state, according to Jan Terhune, executive director of Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank.

“It is our largest fundraising event,” Terhune says. “The revenue grows each year and the event grows, too.”

Still, the statistics are rather stark for children in Arizona. One in four goes to bed hungry. One in five adults and one in seven seniors do the same, Terhune says.

She hopes the event will draw 300 people to help the group reach its goal. In 2014, Matthew’s Crossing serviced 48,000 individuals and provided over 17,000 emergency food boxes to families.

“We’re really excited about the chorus, because the event is about children helping children,” Terhune says. The chorus consists of 94 second through fifth graders.

Matthew’s Crossing began in 2001, initiated

Breakthrough Treatment for Constant Migraine Pain

East Valley Clinic Provides Advanced

(Chandler, AZ) There are several di erent kinds of migraine headaches and a wide variety of methods to treat them. Among the most debilitating headaches are intractable migraines. This refers to migraine pain that continues in spite of all traditional attempts of migraine prevention and treatment. Simply put, they are migraine headaches that just won’t go away.

Novocur Pain Management Clinic is achieving significant results for

by the Rev. John Hall at St. Matthew Episcopal Church. “He saw that there was a need,” Terhune says.

Two volunteers served 800 people, Terhune says. In 2005, the demand exceeded the church’s available capacity, so the organization acquired a 501 (c) (3) status and moved into a strip mall on Arizona Avenue. The food bank is located at 1368 N. Arizona Ave. in unit 112.

Terhune says the organization takes the name of the church where the organization was started. Terhune said the “crossing” term references individuals who cross over to a better place by improving their quality of life through the organization’s assistance, Terhune says.

United Food Bank delivers an average of 9,000 to 10,000 pounds of food a month to Matthew’s Crossing for distribution. The organization also receives food, including, milk, eggs and yogurt, fresh fruit and vegetables, from Walmart, Safeway, Fry’s, Bashas’ and Albertsons.

Chandler residents also donate citrus fruit picked from trees in their own yards. Those donations are accepted every Monday.

These donations from all of these sources help fight hunger in families, but it is a never-ending battle against a national problem.

“It doesn’t seem fair or equitable,” Terhune says. “Why are there so many children who are hungry? It is a problem.”

Therapy

treating intractable migraines with a breakthrough method called neuromodulation or neurostimulation therapy.

A very small, thin device emits an electric current to nerve tissue, blocking the pain signals and replacing them with a pleasant vibration felt in the back of the head. This nerve blocking effect provides a long term reduction in the intensity, duration and frequency of these headaches.

Patients can “try out” this therapy before choosing to go ahead with a permanent implant. Novocur’s president and CEO Dr. Alex Bigham says, “Our priority is always to match the very best treatment for each specific kind of pain.”

Bigham says neuromodulation has also proven e ective for other pain problems related to failed back surgeries, sciatic leg pain, and peripheral neuropathy.

A comprehensive guide to understanding migraine headaches and many other types of pain and pain treatments is available at novocur. com. For specific questions and appointments call the clinic directly at (480) 855-6686.

What: Night to Fight Hunger Gala, A Night Dedicated to Uniting Our Community in the Fight Against Hunger

When: 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 7

Where: Chandler Municipal Airport, 2380 S. Stinson Way

Tickets: $50 each, $450 for a table of eight Register online at www. matthewscrossing.org and click on tickets and sponsorship details. Call (480) 766-2625 or click on Matthew’s Crossing website for information.

Bike with mayor on Paseo Trail at Chandler Family Bike Ride

Join Chandler Mayor Jay Tibshraeny for a bike ride along the scenic Paseo Trail during the annual Family Bike Ride scheduled for 8 a.m. Saturday, April 25. The 7.4-mile ride is held in conjunction with Valley Bike Month (April) and will start at Chandler’s Park & Ride lot, 2100 S. Hamilton St., and travel the Paseo Trail along the Consolidated Canal to Crossbow Park and back (see attached flier and map).

“I have loved seeing this event grow in popularity since the very first Family Bike Ride held in 2009,” Tibshraeny says. “This ride provides families with a great opportunity to get a little exercise, make new friends and celebrate bicycling in Chandler.”

The event is free and participants will receive a free T-shirt while supplies last, along with information about bicycle safety, transit services and related topics. Register via www.chandleraz.gov/ transit until Thursday, April 23, or the day of the event after 7 a.m. at Chandler’s Park & Ride lot on the southwest corner of Germann Road and Hamilton Streets. All riders must wear helmets. For more information, contact Ann Marie Riley at (480) 782-3442 or annmarie.riley@chandleraz.gov.

Chandler site of Census Test

Beginning March 23, more than 50,000 Chandler households will receive a postcard in the mail from the U.S. Census Bureau asking residents to participate in a Census Test. Postcards will ask residents to complete an online survey by April 1.

The Census Bureau is testing new procedures and methods in advance of the nationwide 2020 Census to develop operations that will save money while maintaining accuracy and data quality.

“I applaud the Census Bureau for working to incorporate the Internet and new technologies into the collection of Census data,” Mayor Jay Tibshraeny says. “I ask every Chandler resident receiving a postcard to please go online and complete the short survey.”

In addition to evaluating new technologies for collecting and processing responses, the effort also will test a new field management structure and how well information already provided to the government, such as tax forms or other records, can help fill in gaps of missing data resulting from

nonresponding households.

For each household member, the online survey will ask how many people live in the house, and for each person, their name, sex, age, relationship to the respondent, Hispanic origin, and race. The information provided is confidential and is not shared with any other government agency or organization.

The survey will also ask for a telephone number and whether the housing unit is owned or rented. The survey will be available in English and Spanish and those having questions or difficulty can obtain assistance over the phone in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, German, Tagalog, French and Arabic.

Households not completing the online Census Test prior to April 1 will receive follow up postcards requesting their participation.

As a last resort, Census workers will personally visit each nonresponding household in an attempt to gather the information.

The Census Bureau is looking for people to help with the Census Test and Mid-Decade Census. Persons interested in temporary employment as a Census

Teens spend spring break learning to lead

Teens learned about the innerworkings of municipal government from City officials during Mayor Jay Tibshraeny’s Teen Leadership Academy conducted in early March.

The students also participated in activities to better understand how Arizona’s fourth largest city is run. Costs for the academy are sponsored by the Chandler Kiwanis Club.

Twenty-two Chandler-area teenagers were accepted into this inaugural program through an application process. Students conducted a mock council meeting and received an overview of

worker are encouraged to call toll-free, (800) 361-6891, for information on where and how to apply. Pay ranges from $16.25 to $19.75 an hour.

the Emergency Operations Center at the Chandler Fire Health & Medical Headquarters.

City seeks citizen involvement for General Plan update

Residents are invited to comment on Chandler’s General Plan, a document that establishes land use policies that guide growth and land development.

A public participation plan, adopted by the City Council on Feb. 12, outlines the opportunities for residents’ involvement. That action followed the council’s approval in December of a contract with Partners for Strategic Action Inc., to assist in the process of updating Chandler’s General Plan.

Based in Fountain Hills, PSA has extensive community planning experience, including development of Pinal County’s comprehensive plan and general and strategic plans for communities in Arizona, California and Texas.

Public participation activities include traditional meetings and open houses, and unique opportunities such as planning labs at the McCullough-Price House (located near the Chandler Fashion Center). Those labs will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. first Friday of the month, allowing interested individuals to drop by and become a “planner for the day” or talk one-on-one with project staff.

Later this spring, the Chandler Vision Fest–a multiday, multi-event effort–will serve as the keystone engagement opportunity, allowing residents to participate in various activities to review

and refine the future vision for the community.

After reviewing letters of interest from residents, a Citizen Advisory Committee was assembled to guide the General Plan update effort. Twenty-three community members were appointed by the City Council and represent diverse interests and experiences. Former City Councilwoman Trinity Donovan will serve as chairwoman will chair the committee that will meet regularly throughout the process.

State law requires cities to readopt or update their General Plans at least once every 10 years. The current plan was adopted by the City Council and ratified by voters in 2008. The City has started the process of updating the General Plan before the 2018 deadline in order to review and refine key corridors prior to build-out including the municipal airport, the Price Corridor and potential redevelopment along North Arizona Avenue.

This updated plan will guide development in the last growth areas of the city. Residents are encouraged to follow the project online at www. chandleraz.gov/gpupdate or through the City’s social media outlets at www. chandleraz.gov/socialmedia.

A resident (with cap) talks to planners during a “Planning Lab” on March 6. The labs, held the first Friday of every month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Price House/Chandler Museum, allow the public a chance to learn more about the General Plan update process. Submitted photo

City of Chandler Insider

City employee profile: David de la Torre, principal planner

David de la Torre has worked for a number of initiatives, including the downtown area plan that paved the way for the award-winning street improvements in downtown. That plan also established design guidelines for the future development of properties along Arizona Avenue.

The principal planner started working with the City’s Planning Division in 1999 processing variances, use permits and rezoning applications. In 2002, de la Torre began working on long range planning initiatives where he continues to focus his talents.

Some of the other policies that de la Torre was instrumental in forming include the Single Family Infill Policy, Green Building Program, parking regulations, and solar systems code amendment. During this time, he also helped create a GIS database to track existing and future land uses, which he uses to project the City’s population in the future.

From 2007 to 2008, de la Torre coordinated the update of the City’s current General Plan, a role that he is submerging himself in once again.

“When we update the General Plan, we don’t just hire consultants to help us determine the City’s future behind closed doors,” de la Torre says. “It’s a very open process. We’re out

there asking residents to tell us what their vision is for Chandler in the future and we use their input to draft development policies in the General Plan. Then we ask them to read and comment on the draft to confirm that it reflects their input.”

When de la Torre began working for Chandler over 15 years ago, the City was booming with new developments.

“Chandler was one of the fastest growing cities in the country when I started,” de la Torre says. “Thanks to the foresight and careful planning by previous city councils and planners, Chandler is a beautiful city with great services and amenities.”

Now, much of the city is already built, but there are a few remaining growth areas such as the area around the municipal airport and South Price Road. As Chandler approaches “buildout,” redevelopment, neighborhood preservation and revitalization will be important topics for the General Plan to address.

“Existing neighborhoods are getting older and we need to make sure the City has policies and services in place to help maintain and preserve the growing number of aging neighborhoods,” de la Torre says.

The state requires general plans to have 15 elements that address a variety

Now is the time to donate blood

The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood during National Volunteer Month this April and make a difference in the lives of patients in need.

The Red Cross salutes the hundreds of thousands of volunteers who help fulfill its lifesaving mission and encourages others to join their ranks as volunteer blood donors. Volunteer donors are the only source of blood products for those in need of transfusions.

Donors of all blood types—especially those with types O negative, A negative and B negative—are needed to help ensure blood is available for patients this spring. Those who are unable to give blood can support blood donations and invite others to make a lifesaving donation by creating a SleevesUp virtual blood drive at

redcrossblood.org/SleevesUp.

To make an appointment to give blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Upcoming blood donation opportunities

• 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 21, Basis Chandler, 1800 E Chandler Blvd.

• 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, March 22, St. Matthews Episcopal Church, 901 W. Erie St.

• 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, April 2, Paramount Pool and Spa System, 295 E. Corporate Place, Suite 100

• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 11, Betic One Foundation, 4976 Premium Outlet Way.

• 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, Chandler Gilbert YMCA, 1655 W. Frye Rd.

of topics including land use, circulation, recreation, safety, water resources, and neighborhood preservation and revitalization. All new development projects are required by State law to conform to the City’s adopted General Plan, de la Torre and the consultants are seeking input from residents throughout the process.

DEADLINES FOR SANTAN SUN NEWS: APRIL 4

The deadline for news and advertising is 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 25 for the Saturday, April 4, 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 www.santansun.com and click on “About us” and call (480) 732-0250 for advertising rate details.

reduction benefits as a result of these operational efficiencies are equal to preserving more than 870 acres of U.S. forest land, or introducing more than 27,300 mature trees into the local environment annually.

Republic Services operates 198 transfer stations nationwide, which contribute to the collection of approximately 100 million tons of waste per year. The

Germann Transfer Station is capable of increasing annual capacity to meet future disposal needs in the Valley.

Republic Services has its corporate and regional offices in Arizona. Republic operates at 22 locations, including seven transfer stations and seven landfills, and employs more than 1,200 people statewide.

TRULY NOLEN SUPPORTS HUNGER RELIEF

With two beverages purchased, valid

Members of the Truly Nolen branch in Chandler participated in a community service event at St. Vincent de Paul’s Wayne Unruh Dining Room, which serves between 250 and 300 hungry citizens daily. The Truly Nolen team filled salt and pepper shakers, dressed salads for meals, prepared dessert trays, washed dishes and emptied trash receptacles.

Pictured, are the Truly Nolen team and volunteers from the Saint Vincent de Paul’s Wayne Unruh Dining Room. Photo, from left, are Dana Herring, Ronda Candelario, Dale Johnson, Zac Lyndon and Cody Carroll from Truly Nolen; on the right, volunteers at Saint Vincent de Paul’s Wayne Unruh Dining Room.

• Patrol Team Eight: Lt. Dave Ramer and Officers Brad Carroll, Phil Robinson, Mark Jordan, Sara Rozema, Noah Dueker, William Walker and Josh Cohen

• The Financial Crimes Unit: Sgt. Mark Gluzinski and Detectives Bob Lenz, J.B. Stout, Jason Schouten, Steve Pfeifer, Ron Moore and Mike Moore, and Investigative Specialist Nancy Thiry

The Meritorious Service award is presented to a member of the Department who consistently exceeds normal job requirements with at least one specific act of outstanding performance. This may include a member proceeding with a pre-determined plan, program, investigation, or official act that exemplifies the mission statement of the Chandler Police Department.

The 2014 recipients of this award include Sgt. Tom Lovejoy, Tiffany Anderson, Officer John Allison, Detective Mike Russo, Officer Dave Woodard, Officer David Parks, Detective David Pilkington, Kerri Sherwood, Sgt. Greg Howarth, Nicole Potter, Tanya Keeton, and Florence Berrier.

The Community Service award is presented to an employee who displays extraordinary efforts in serving the community.

Sgt. Ray Kieffer, Lt. Dave Ramer and Melanie Slate were the recipients of the 2014 Community Service Award.

The Patrol Team of the Year award is presented to a patrol team that excelled in beat problem identification and solution, proactive actions, selfinitiated activity, major case investigation

and resolution, calls for service, and community service. Team Seven is the 2014 Patrol Team of the Year. This patrol team included; Sgt. Jeff Okonowski, and Officers Michael Prendergast, David Parsons, David Pilkington, Ashley Lewis, Nicholas Boos, Gregory Thudium, Tina Balsewicz, Brian Morgenthaler, Nanette Rathers-Martinez, and Jessica Mikita.

The Civilian Supervisor of the Year Award is presented to a civilian supervisor for distinguished supervision and leadership in any assignment over a period of one year that is clearly exceptional in achieving departmental goals and objectives.

Jack Christensen is the 2014 Civilian Supervisor of the Year.

The Sworn Supervisor of the Year Award is presented to a sworn supervisor for distinguished supervision and leadership in any police assignment over a period of one year that is clearly exceptional in achieving departmental goals and objectives.

Sgt. Gary Minor is the 2014 Sworn Supervisor of the Year.

The Lifesaving Medal is presented to employees directly responsible for saving/ prolonging a human life (Extended by days or weeks). A recipient may be any department employee, on or off-duty.

Recipients for this award were Officers Richard Allen, Doyle Sikes, Jeremy Nolan, Jonas Lucas, Joshua Logan, Darrin Vigesaa, and Hilton Drew.

The Communications Employee of the Year award is presented to a member of the Communications

Section in recognition of outstanding accomplishment and for facilitating the achievement of organizational goals and objectives.

Ron Parks is the 2014 Communications Employee of the Year. The Employee of the Year award is presented to a civilian employee for outstanding performance over a period of one year in achieving department goals and objective through projects, programs, or situations requiring exceptional dedication.

Dan Gentile is the 2014 Employee of the Year. The Medal of Honor award is given to recognize a member who distinguishes himself conspicuously by gallantry and extraordinary heroism. The act must go beyond normal demands and be of such nature that the member was fully aware of the imminent threat to his personal safety and acted above and beyond the call of duty at the risk of his own life.

Sgt. Pete Rowton is the 2014 recipient for the Medal of Honor.

The Officer of the Year award is presented to an officer for distinguished service in any police assignment over a period of one year’s time that is clearly exceptional and places the recipient in a position above other members of the same rank.

Officer Nate Jacobs is the 2014 Officer of the Year.

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski is the executive editor of the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at christina@santansun.com.

Ostrich Festival

More than 100,000 folks made their way through the gates of The Chandler Chamber of Commerce Ostrich Festival March 13 through March 15 at Tumbleweed Park. The zany ostriches are the highlight of the event, but there was much more to do. Colt Ford and Grand Funk Railroad performed and Ally of Disney’s “Austin and Ally” made a guest appearance. STSN photos by Tim Sealy

The Cays presents the ‘ultimate waterfront address’

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

In their early 70s, Koert and Rebecca Smith were looking to make life easier for themselves.

So the couple will pack up toward the end of 2015 and acquire the “ultimate waterfront address” at The Cays at Downtown Ocotillo.

“We live in Sun Lakes and we have two bedrooms, a den and a casita,” Koert says. “We also have a yard. Over the last year, my wife and I have had some medical issues. We were mostly looking to have zero outside work and less inside work to take care of our house. We’re basically

downsizing to make life easier.”

The Cays at Downtown Ocotillo is a premier master-planned community with 167 acres of manmade lakes, a 27-hole championship golf course, lush greenery, pedestrian walkways, spacious parks and many major employers nearby.

The exclusive collection of luxurydesigned condominiums overlook the lakes at Ocotillo. Residents can enjoy amenities like a resort-sized heated pool and a state-of-the-art fitness center.

“One of the reasons we really considered a condo is our kids are spread all over and each child wanted us to move

closer to them,” Rebecca explains.

The Smiths eschewed that idea.

“We never know what the kids’ jobs will be like anymore,” Rebecca says. “We may be established in a condo and they could be transferred to the other side of the country. We decided we would stay here.”

The Smiths say they will enjoy the convenience of living in Ocotillo.

“The Cays’ location is probably about 2 or 3 miles directly north of where we live now,” Koert says. “Even though we’re going to move, we can maintain our friends, our church, our doctors,

drugstores and grocery stores. All of that will not change.”

The Smiths were enticed to purchase at The Cays at Downtown Ocotillo after visiting a North Scottsdale community created by the same builder, The Statesman Group.

“The builders have another property, Toscana, in North Scottsdale,” he says. “We went up and toured that and we were told the same quality of landscaping and construction and stuff will be in The Cays as well. We were impressed with that.”

Quality care, with compassion and concern.

Gated Alicante at Valencia, Chandler

$765,000, 5001sf, 5BR, 3.5BA, Basement Fenced pool,

Gated Oakwood CC, Sun Lakes

$250,000, 1,820 sq. ft., 2BR, 2BA Move in ready! Bright and open floorplan.

5BR, 3BA, Loft & Bonus Room. Pristine! Granite Countertops & more