‘Angel Bike’ remembers the American dreams of a Brazilian athlete
BY KENNETH LAFAVE
Raul Lacerda moved to the Valley from Brazil three and a half years ago, partly for safety reasons. As a triathlete, he spent hours a day on his bike, but the streets of his home city, Curitiba, were notoriously dangerous for bicyclists. When he and his wife, Angela, decided to move to the United States, the Valley was a natural choice, because Angela had attended ASU 20 years earlier.
Lacerda was hit by a car and killed at 9:55 a.m. Jan. 14, while training on his bike on Queen Creek Road between Price Road and the I-10. Gila River Police arrested Scott Winterbauer the day of the incident and charged him with manslaughter, aggravated assault, endangerment and driving under the influence (DUI).
“How tragic this is, with all the dreams Raul had,” said Eduardo Campoy, Lacerda’s best friend.
“He had a dream to get his green card and learn English and start a business,” Campoy said. Lacerda, Angela and their son, Luccas, moved to Chandler on student visas. A daughter, Georgia, stayed in Curitiba to continue in school.
Steve Cooper, another friend and a fellow triathlete, remembered Raul as “humble, even though he was a far superior triathlete than most of us. He never looked down on anyone and he supported all of us.”
Adaptive Reuse Program plans to breathe new life to older buildings
BY SRIANTHI PERERA
With downtown Chandler offering increasingly limited space for new businesses, the City is looking to its older buildings for recourse.
And, rather than tear them down to make way for new structures, they are to be revamped.
The City has adopted an Adaptive Reuse Program, which offers relaxed standards to buildings that were constructed prior to the 1990s, are less than 15,000 square feet in size and/or on a lot size 30,000 square feet or less and are situated in commercially zoned properties.
These buildings are to receive more flexibility when applying regulations such as setbacks, parking, mechanical screening
and landscaping, according to the City’s Economic Development Program Manager, James Smith.
“The idea behind the plan is to facilitate the redevelopment of underutilized buildings,” stated Mayor Jay Tibshraeny via e-mail. “By relaxing some of the challenges developers often face with older structures, we can spur investment in empty and underperforming buildings.”
The areas coming under the plan, known as the Adaptive Reuse Overlay District, are Pecos to Warner roads along Arizona Avenue and parts of Chandler Boulevard between Alma School and McQueen roads.
City Planner Kevin Mayo, who examined the area, found 80 percent of
Campoy said Raul normally trained at a gym.
“But for some reason that day, he decided to train on the road. He was on the third loop and almost done when he was hit,” Campoy said.
Campoy, who met Lacerda through mutual acquaintances at ASU, remembered his friend as “always having a big smile, and happy with the way things were going.”
But it wasn’t enough just to recall Lacerda’s smile. Campoy needed to remember his friend in a more permanent way. So when Cooper suggested placing an “Angel Bike” near the site of the tragedy, Campoy and his wife, Daniella, pitched in to help make it happen.
“We wanted to make sure we would remember our friend doing something he loved, riding his bike. And we also wanted to remind people that this was not the first time, and it won’t be the last time, that a drunk driver has taken a life.”
The Angel Bike is an ordinary bike that Cooper painted white, “the color of peace,” as Campoy puts it.
“We put Raul’s water bottle with the Angel Bike, and some flowers,” Campoy said. One other special memento of Lacerda’s life is attached to the bike: a poem.
“The night before he died, Raul wrote
School district unveils another good report during annual meeting
BY SRIANTHI PERERA
Chandler United School District has an excellent report card that it wants to show to the community.
During its recent presentation of the 2016 Annual Report to an audience of school and City personnel, as well as officials from the surrounding communities, Superintendent Dr. Camille Casteel made an appeal.
“If you can help us promote Chandler schools, we think we have provided a good product for you to do that,” she said. “We would love the opportunity.”
Based on data from Niche rankings, a website that analyzes and rates public schools and districts, CUSD ranks No. 1 in Arizona, with two individual schools, Chandler Preparatory Academy and BASIS of Scottsdale, ranking higher than the district. The district received this ranking for the
second year in a row.
Among a host of other accolades, the CUSD boasts 24 National Merit finalists for 2015, a distinction that places these students in the top 2 percent of students in the nation.
Niche gives a ranking of 399 to CUSD in comparison with school districts in every state in the nation. Officials said that it has a lofty goal of achieving recognition as the No. 1 public school district in the nation. To that end, it has drawn up a long term strategic plan it calls Journey 2020.
To progress toward the goal, student numbers should rise steadily. Enrollment stands at 43,111.
“What we try to demonstrate is that we are a district of extraordinary ability, we are the district of choice and we try to rebrand ourselves to a district of choice where we can meet every parent’s dreams and desires, as
FEATURE STORIES
Eduardo and Daniella Campoy with the “Angel Bike” in memory of their friend, killed by a drunken driver. STSN photo by Tim Sealy
Great
a poem in English about all the good things that were happening in his life. We printed it out and have put it with the Angel Bike.”
The Angel Bike is chained securely at the site of Lacerda’s accident. Cooper has begun a dialogue with City officials in an effort to make it a permanent memorial.
The poem Raul wrote the night before he died includes the following lines: “I love the life Beautiful day I rode a bike I study English I love my wife I love my family …I’m so happy.”
BUTTERCUP THE PROGNOSTICATING GROUNDHOG MAKES EARLY PREDICTION
Buttercup, Chandler’s prognosticating groundhog, paid Mayor Jay Tibshraeny a visit on Saturday, Jan. 30 to provide an early Groundhog Day prediction.
Chandler’s version of Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow during a ceremony at the City’s Environmental Education Center (EEC), meaning another six weeks of winter is likely. The ceremony is typically held on Groundhog Day, Feb. 2, but occurred a
few days early as Buttercup traveled to California this week to appear on the “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” television show. Buttercup whispered the prediction into the mayor’s ear while being held by owner Lisa Limbert of Lisa’s Creatures, a wildlife rehabilitation organization associated with East Valley Wildlife. Limbert and the City’s Recreation Division host a “Meet the Creature“ class at the EEC and include Buttercup’s prediction every Groundhog Day.
well as their children’s,” Casteel said.
The superintendent pointed out several factors that she said made the district special.
Among them is the stable and the long term school board. Members get along extraordinarily well, to the point of being “a hug-fest.”
“They don’t always agree with one another. But I think what’s remarkable is they disagree respectfully and professionally,” Casteel said. “They’re the role models for the district; we try to emulate how they conduct their business publicly, and we emulate that among our leadership teams and throughout our school.”
Casteel said that the school board is available to address community groups.
The organization also runs a conservative budget, she said. For 2014-2015, CUSD’s budget was $230,779,734. Sixty-two percent of that went into instruction ($142,288,237), while 23 percent was for support staff such as para educators, security and transportation ($53,353,691).
The passage of the $192 million bond election in November is helpful toward mitigating the state capital budget cuts during the past eight years, officials said. The funds will be used for school infrastructure projects, technology upgrades and to complete the newest high school, Camille Casteel High in Queen Creek at Power and Riggs roads. The school opened in July last year, but required the passage of the bond for completion.
While the district is doing well in most regards, it does have its challenges. The biggest one is the competition, especially with charter schools moving into the city and constructing buildings that could accommodate more than a thousand students. Hence, the stepped up marketing, Casteel said.
Teacher retention is another issue. Turnover is after three years because of the modest salaries they make.
“They can’t raise a family on $37,000 or $38,000, and so we work real hard to beef up our salary schedules and that takes money,” Casteel said.
Dr. Camille Casteel, superintendent of Chandler Unified School District, addresses the community during the district’s 2016 annual report presentation. Submitted photo
commercial buildings in that corridor would be eligible for the program.
Adaptive Reuse is by no means a new concept. Tempe and Phoenix are among Valley cities that have implemented similar programs. Last year, a Scottsdale real estate firm bought a former bicycle store and print shop building on Mill Avenue in Tempe and is adapting the space for a Corepower Yoga studio.
In Phoenix, the Evans-Churchill neighborhood, which is home to the artistic community of Roosevelt Row, has enjoyed several adaptive reuse projects
that has infused the area with a new energy.
In recent times, downtown Chandler has enjoyed much success with revitalization that has brought several multifamily apartment buildings, office and retail space housing hip outfits.
Smith said that the new program feeds from the success of the new development in the historic downtown and takes it “even farther out.”
Prior to the 1990s, buildings were constructed with the existing code and don’t comply with the current regulations. Bringing them up to current code will be time consuming and costly,
Volunteers needed to provide tax help to Native Americans
Last year 2,296 Arizonans gave back to their communities as volunteers, providing free tax services by preparing more than 86,000 federal and state of Arizona individual income tax returns through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly Programs.
“The IRS and its partners are looking for volunteers who are interested in taking a little time to learn about taxes and then helping others by preparing federal and state income tax returns for free,” said IRS spokesman Bill Brunson.
“Volunteers are certified to prepare simple, non-business tax returns for people with low to moderate incomes. People of all ages and backgrounds are welcome to volunteer. There is a role for anyone who is interested and wants to help give back to their community.”
For residents of the East Valley, there is an opportunity to volunteer nearby to provide free tax help to the Gila River Indian Community and its employees.
Anyone can be a volunteer and volunteers are needed to help at this site as tax return preparers and quality reviewers. The site coordinators may also prepare returns.
All volunteers will be provided with free training materials on how to prepare basic individual income tax returns and how to file them electronically. Instruction will cover both federal and Arizona individual income tax returns.
Volunteers generally study online with Link & Learn Taxes to obtain their volunteer certification. The Link
& Learn program is an interactive course that teaches all of the basics needed to prepare simple income tax returns accurately for individuals. Classroom training may also be offered. Once certified, volunteers generally spend three to four hours per week volunteering in February, March and April. Last year, Arizona families received more than $95 million in federal refunds using the VITA/TCE programs to prepare their taxes.
To volunteer for the Gila River Indian Community free tax help site, send an email to elizabeth.bohnee@theplfc. com. More information about the IRS volunteer tax preparation program is available at www.irs.gov, keywords “Tax Volunteer.”
he said.
The program also helps in sustainability because it may use existing building materials.
Chandler has a team of staffers that aids businesses in locating a property. Mirroring that, a staff team has also been formed to help business owners unravel the intricacies of the adaptive reuse process. As such, team members are available to walk the space with the business owner, find out his or her needs, draw up a plan and assist them during the development process. A handbook is also available.
Smith said that the program, due
to begin end of February, has already garnered interest.
“We have had people contact us even though the program hasn’t been implemented fully yet,” he said. “We hope that once it’s fully implemented, we’ll have some people ready to go.”
Ultimately, the City views it as an opportunity to bring more jobs to the north Arizona Avenue business corridor, Tibshraeny said.
“It’s an exciting concept,” he said. For more information, visit www. chandleraz.gov/default.aspx?pageid=1065
Operation Welcome Home looking for nominations
Operation Welcome Home Chandler is accepting nominations and sponsorships for the fourth ceremony to be held in spring.
During the ceremony, veterans are part of a procession escorted by the Arizona Patriot Guard to the Chandler City Council Chambers, where the Chandler City Council will recognize and thank each individual. During the ceremony, the honorees will be presented with a gift basket with donations from the community. After the public event, the veterans and their families will be treated to dinner at a local restaurant.
and have been on active duty within the last three years or leaving soon. Residents or businesses also may participate through sponsorship or inkind donations for the program. Ceremonies are scheduled several times a year, based on the number of nominees. Residents are encouraged to attend the event, and donations are being accepted through the Chandler Chamber Community Foundation.
Veterans should be Chandler residents
To nominate a veteran or sponsor the program, visit www.chandleraz.gov/ patriotism.
Attorney, author Shane Krauser to speak at Sun Lakes Republican Club
The public is invited to attend a presentation entitled “The Presidential Candidates and the U.S. Constitution,” that will be given by attorney Shane F. Krauser at the regular meeting of the Sun Lakes Republican Club, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9, in the Arizona Room of the Sun Lakes Country Club, 25601 N. Sun Lakes Blvd., Sun Lakes.
Krauser will talk about how to hold the 2016 presidential candidates accountable to the nation’s founding documents and how to preserve personal freedoms enshrined in the Bill of Rights. His latest book, “What is Freedom? Is it for you?,” will be available for sale at the meeting.
Krauser is a partner at the law firm of Davis, Miles, McGuire and Gardner, as well as chief instructor of K-Force
Vanguard, a firearms training institute. He has his own radio show and has spoken on constitutional issues and has educated audiences of various ages across the country. He also has guided expert panels with various political figures and has appeared on radio and TV.
Also attending the meeting will be Alex Meluskey, a candidate running in the upcoming U.S. Senate primary, who is state director of the Fair Tax, a licensed radio host and the owner of Optimum Graphics USA LLC., and State Rep. J.D. Mesnard, R-17, who will provide his perspective on the first month of the new state legislative session.
Info: www.slgop.org or contact Mike Tennant at (480) 802-0178.
Fifth Springfield Adult Community garage sale is Feb. 20
Springfield Adult Community is holding its fifth communitywide garage sale, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, at 6495 S. St. Andrews Blvd., between Riggs and McQueen roads, Chandler. The front and back gates will be open to the public during the sale.
Legislative District 17 candidates speaking at Sun Lakes Democratic Club
Legislative District 17 candidates are speaking at the next meeting of the Sun Lakes Democratic Club, 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 8, in the Navajo Room of the Sun Lakes Country Club, 25601 Sun Lakes Blvd. Jennifer Pawlik, candidate for the Arizona House, and Steve Weichert, candidate for the Arizona Senate, as well as other state and national candidates or their representatives will be attending.
Nonperishable food items are collected prior to all club meetings in
the west parking lot from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. for the Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank. There is also a collection box at the north entrance of the Sun Lakes Sunset Grill lobby. The total collected through December 2015 was 2,310.5 pounds of food and $686.
Sun Lakes Democratic Club meetings are on the second Monday of each month. Refreshments are served. Info: call Tom Amrhein at (480) 895-1162.
About Care seeking sponsors, donations for golf tourney
About Care, whose clients are economically disadvantaged elderly women who need help with transportation to medical appointments, is having its ninth charity golf tournament Saturday, April 23, at the Crowne Plaza San Marcos Golf Course, 1 N. San Marcos Pl., Chandler.
Highlighted maps with addresses of the participants will be handed out at both gates to those entering the community for the sale, which will be located in each individual participant’s own driveway and garage.
A Chandler/Gilbert-based not-forprofit organization, About Care is looking for tournament sponsors, participants and donations for its auction and raffle at the annual golf tournament, its major fundraising event.
Info: Ron at (480) 802-3841 or Ken at (480) 895-8756.
A foursome is $400 and an individual is $110. Breakfast and lunch are included. There are sponsorships still open; donations and items for the auction will be accepted.
About Care delivers support services
to the homebound elderly and disabled in Chandler and Gilbert, including transportation to medical appointments, shopping and errands, and respite care at no cost.
Info: www.aboutcare.org or call Ann Marie McArthur at (480) 802-2331.
About Care’s annual Charity Golf Tournament is Saturday, April 23 at the Crowne Plaza San Marcos Golf Course in Chandler. Submitted photo
Night of Heroes Gala to honor the ‘East Valley Man and Woman of the Year’
Positive Paths, an Arizona nonprofit organization focused on providing women with self-sustainability through mentoring and education, is holding its Night of Heroes gala 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 3, at the Hilton Phoenix/Mesa,1011 W. Holmes Ave., Mesa. The event honors the East Valley Man and Woman of the Year.
This year’s honorees are Mike Hutchinson, interim CEO for East Valley Partnership and the former city manager of Mesa, and Patti Bruno, president of The Desert Cancer Foundation of Arizona and former councilwoman for the City of Chandler. They have both been strong advocates for women and children.
The “Around the World”-themed gala includes a silent auction and other opportunities to compete for gift cards, fine wine and exclusive events and activities.
Positive Paths is supported by donations from organizations and individuals who believe that supporting women
strengthens entire families and builds strong communities. The Diamond sponsor of the May 3 gala is PayPal. Dignity Health and the Rudge Foundation are Sapphire sponsors and the Emerald sponsor is Trust Bank. For sponsorships or purchase tables and tickets, visit www.positivepathsaz.org/ events. Questions should be directed to Sandra Hudson at (480) 883-6803 or Linda Artac at (480) 201-7772.
Chandler Award Program honors
Ocotillo Breakfast Club
The Ocotillo Breakfast Club Toastmasters has been selected for the 2015 Best of Chandler Award in the adult education category by the Chandler Award Program. The Toastmaster’s mission is to empower individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders.
Each year, the award program identifies organizations that have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and the community.
Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the
winners in each category. The 2015 award program focused on quality, not quantity. Winners were determined based on the information gathered and also data provided by third parties.
The Ocotillo Breakfast Club Toastmasters is a Legacy Club, earning the President’s Distinguished Club award for three or more consecutive years. Many members live in South Chandler, but this is not a requirement for membership and the club is open to anyone who wants to improve their communication and leadership skills. The club meets weekly from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Wednesdays.
Info: (480) 244-7826 or jeanette. fougeron@mheducation.com.
Exchange Club of Chandler needs yarn
A member of The Exchange Club of Chandler is crocheting bed covers for the club’s foster care project, and she needs yarn of any color or texture, full skeins or remnants. Crocheted panels can also be donated for club members to assemble into a blanket of many colors.
Individuals and organizations interested in helping to crochet panels are welcome to assist. Contact Suzanne at (480) 398-0205 or suzieblakesley@outlook.com.
The Exchange Club of Chandler is a member of the National Exchange Club, America’s oldest national service organization. Its national project is Child Abuse Prevention, but local clubs also focus on Americanism, youth and community service projects. Members meet weekly for an hour or so to exchange ideas on how to better serve their community. Info: contact Michael at (480) 241-9448 or driwash2@ prodigy.net.
Patti Bruno. Submitted photo
Members of the Ocotillo Breakfast Club Toastmasters celebrate their club’s selection for the 2015 Best of Chandler Award in the adult education category by the Chandler Award Program. Submitted photo
Mike Hutchinson. Submitted photo
City of Chandler Insider
Science Spectacular returns to downtown Chandler
The City of Chandler is bringing science back, as Chandler’s Science Spectacular returns for the fifth year in a row. It kicks off with a Night of Art & Science from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10, in downtown Chandler. The event is open to families, but geared more toward adults as the Third Friday Art Walk is transformed into a celebration of science. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with local vendors to discover the scientific methods that go into their artistic creations.
The Chandler Science Spectacular is held the following day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, along Commonwealth Avenue in downtown Chandler. More than 50 businesses, schools and professionals will offer hands-on activities and fun
demonstrations about the work they do in the world of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields.
The Chandler Science Spectacular is a signature event of the Arizona SciTech Festival, a statewide initiative to promote and celebrate science in our daily lives.
The monthlong festival uses a variety of engaging
and creative activities through a multitude of events taking place not only in Chandler, but in cities across the entire state.
Intel has been the premier sponsor of the Chandler Science Spectacular since its inception. “Intel hires people with various technical degrees.
Getting the next generation of current students to pursue those degrees and that career path starts with an experience when they are young,” said Renee Levin, Intel’s community affairs manager. “The Chandler Science Spectacular gives Intel the perfect opportunity to engage kids with fun activities and they don’t even realize its science. Once they get involved and see how creative they can be, hopefully they’ll feel inspired at this young age and consider pursuing a career in science and technology.”
The events are free and open to the public. Visit www.chandleraz.gov/science for event maps, times and participants. For more information on the ArizonaSciTech Festival and its statewide events, visit www.azscitechfest.org.
Even toddlers can learn about science! A “future firefighter” plays at the Arizona SciTech Festival exhibit. Submitted photo
This young Chandler resident explored the Air Products exhibit and learned how to use liquid nitrogen. Future scientist in the making! Submitted photo
of liquid nitrogen. Submitted photo
A Night of Art & Science
6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19 Downtown Chandler’s monthly Third Friday Art Walk adds science into in mix. For more information, visit downtownchandler.org.
Chandler’s Science
Saturday
Sponsored by Intel
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20 Science comes to downtown Chandler in a Saturday extravaganza, featuring interactive demonstrations and activities by Chandler’s technology companies, along with a showcase presentation of the most inventive student science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) projects. Visit interactive booths and hands-on activities along Commonwealth Avenue in historic downtown.
City of Chandler Insider
EMPLOYEE PROFILE
Meet the face behind the Chandler Science Spectacular
The Chandler Science Spectacular is spearheaded by Councilman Rick Heumann and the Chandler Education Coalition, but the person responsible for organizing every detail from start to finish is Research Assistant Odette Moore with the City’s Economic Development Department. She’s worked on the event since day one and has been instrumental in the event’s success.
Moore started with the City of Chandler 15 years ago as a receptionist for the Planning Division. She earned her degree from the University of Phoenix in business management while working fulltime for the City. While in college, one of her assigned projects was to develop a business plan. She reached out to the former Economic Development Director Chris Mackay and she assisted Moore by reviewing and critiquing her presentation. She credits Mackay with introducing her to a completely new career path. She found the world of economic development to be fascinating. Moore stayed in contact with Mackay and when a position in the department opened up, the former director encouraged her to apply. She interviewed, got the job and has been a part of the economic development team for five years.
As a research assistant, she loves her work and is eager to assist fellow co-workers and the public with their research requests about the City. She
also works on the department’s website and loves that she can be creative in this element. She enjoys collaborating with others, which is why she’s the perfect fit to work on the annual Chandler Science Spectacular.
Chandler has developed a strong reputation as a leader in high-technology industry—it’s created a world-class technology hub and has assisted new startups locate and grow within the City. Chandler’s population also is well educated, and the City is committed to fostering the relationship between the education system and those high-paying tech jobs.
Chandler City Councilman Rick Heumann expressed interest in creating an event to do just that—engage with the next generation of leaders. Heumann formed the Chandler Education Coalition, and together, the group created the Science Spectacular to prove that science can be cool, creative, inspiring and fun.
By working on this event with high-tech companies and educators
in Chandler, Moore has changed her perspective of science. Before, she wasn’t the slightest bit interested in science; now, she’s experienced firsthand how fun and engaging science can really be. For her, the best part of the event is seeing the creative minds of the kids in action. They really enjoy all of the interactive activities, and it’s worth every bit of work put into the event. Mark your calendars for Friday, Feb. 19, and Saturday, Feb. 20, and join her in downtown Chandler at the fifth annual Chandler Science Spectacular. Prior to joining the City, Moore worked in the insurance industry and also was a stay-athome mom with her son and daughter for nearly four years. A native of Panama, she moved to the United States when she was 18. She’s a citizen of both countries and loves the cultures that both worlds offer. She’s been married for 23 years and enjoys being active, dancing to salsa and merengue, taking Zumba classes, attending shows and concerts and even riding motorcycles.
Students learn about Air Products and the use
Odette Moore, from the City’s Economic Development Department, works to organize the annual Chandler Science Spectacular. Submitted photo
And, while she may be
it in no way diminishes the place she holds in people’s
The gifts and contributions she has shared. The story she has to tell.
Keen, Dansko, Josef Seibel, Olukai, Romika, Fly London, Birkenstock, Merrell, Antelope, Reiker, Miz Mooz, Clarks, Klog, Arcopedico, Alegria, Baggallini, Taos, Gabor, Ahnu and Big Buddha.
Taos, Gabor, Ahnu and Buddha.
Explorers’ Tactical Competition
The Chandler Police Explorers Program hosted its18th annual Chandler Tactical Competition Jan. 15 through Jan. 17. Fifty-five agencies from police departments and sheriff’s offices nationwide descended on the Chandler Fire Training Facility for the three-day event. The CPD’s Explorers program is highly respected in law enforcement circles throughout the country and the Chandler Tactical Competition is the signature event of the year. Photos from the Chandler Police Department
Not all of the scenarios in the competition are totally geared toward law
Some are just meant to be
The Waterborne Operations event comes with a “splash” warning that includes incoming water balloons. The West Covina(CA) explorers get their stroke cadence in synch.
The post from Riverside County, California, competes in the five-person Tk-4 pull event.
Members of the Gilbert(AZ) post enjoy a fun moment between events.
A member of the Pinal County Explorer Post prepares to run in the tactical relay race event.
Ventura County(CA) Sheriff’s Office explorers participating the Crisis Negotiations event.
Explorers from the Gardena, California, Police Department arrive at the next challenge.
The Pasadena, California, Police Department Explorers stand on the parade deck.
Police explorers’ programs instill a number of values in their respective members. An explorers post from Nevada honored deceased Chandler Police Officers Bryant Holmes and David Payne with messages on their shirts.
Participants in the competition are put through training scenarios similar to police officer training. Here, two Explorers work together to rescue an officer from a hot scene.
enforcement.
fun.
Explorers from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department mentally prepare as they walk to the next challenge.
The scenarios presented in the competition force the participants to formulate a plan and work as a team.
The 2016 Chandler Tactical Competition was the post’s 18th annual event. The department’s explorers program is highly respected in law enforcement circles throughout the country and the Chandler Tactical Competition is the signature event of the year.
Fifty-five agencies from police departments and sheriff’s offices nationwide sent representatives from their respective explorers posts to this year’s Chandler Tactical Competition. Members of the Prescott post pose for a photo opportunity.
Layton Lakes Landmark Collection in Chandler is only minutes away from excellent schools, expansive shopping centers, and outdoor recreation. Residents enjoy beautiful amenities including a community park, a fishing dock, equestrian trails, as well as sport courts for tennis, volleyball, and basketball. Stop by and tour our model homes today!
Wisdom teeth are almost certain to cause problems if left in place. This is particularly true of impacted wisdom teeth, such problems may occur suddenly and often at the most inconvenient time. While the kids are out for spring break, there couldn’t be a better time to take care of this preventative procedure.
The average mouth does not have room for the third molars, also known as “wisdom teeth,” to come in properly. These poorly positioned impacted teeth can cause many problems such as swelling, stiffness, pain and illness. The pressure from the wisdom teeth may move other teeth and disrupt the orthodontic of natural alignment of teeth. The most serious problem occurs when tumors or cysts form around the impacted wisdom tooth, resulting in the destruction of the jawbone and healthy teeth. It is now recommended that impacted wisdom teeth be removed early to prevent these problems.
Most commonly we remove wisdom teeth between the ages of 14 and 22 years whether they are causing problems or not. The procedure is technically easier and patients recover much quicker when they are younger. What is a relatively minor procedure at 20 can before quite difficult in patients as they get older. Also, the risk of complications increases with age and the healing process is slower. We utilize the latest technologies and techniques to make your procedure go smoother and your healing process faster.
For a consultation, please call Dr. Shah at 480.814.9500. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon. Board Certified, American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
Chandler Sports Hall of Fame induction and luncheon at the Chandler Center for the Arts
The athletic accomplishments of six individuals and two teams will be celebrated during the 12th Annual Chandler Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Luncheon, 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 13 at the Chandler Center for the Arts. Special recognition will also be given to Al Nelson and Judge Norine Houston Richardson.
The 2015 Chandler Sports Hall of Fame inductees are:
• Patrick Fisher, college tennis coach
• Lyndsey Fry, Olympic medalist in women’s hockey
• Ashley Hanson, USA softball
• Kaela Oakes, women’s college basketball
• Violeta Retamoza, professional women’s golfer
• Markus Wheaton, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver
• 1970 Chandler High baseball team
• 1972 Chandler High track team Candidates can be members of a high school or professional team, and can be considered for recognition no sooner than five years after their performances.
“We’re excited for attendees to learn more about this year’s outstanding nominees,” said Eddie Wilson, former NFL quarterback for the Dallas Texans, Kansas City Chiefs and Boston Patriots, and current Chandler Sports Hall of Fame Committee chairman. “Each one has brought extraordinary athletic accomplishments to their sport and community.”
The Chandler Sports Hall of Fame, along with the Chandler Museum, celebrates the rich history of Chandler
Markus Wheaton, a wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers, is one of six individuals being inducted into the Chandler Sports Hall of Fame. He attended Chandler High School, where he was a two-sport athlete in football and track and field. In college he played football for Oregon State University as well as competed in track and field from 2009-20012. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2013 NFL Draft. Submitted photo
athletics by honoring those teams, athletes, coaches and administrators who have brought statewide and national recognition to Chandler through their exceptional talent.
Cost is $15, which includes the induction ceremony and luncheon. Tickets are available through the Center’s box office, 250 N. Arizona Ave., and online at www.chandlermuseum.org.
DEADLINES FOR SANTAN SUN NEWS: FEB. 20
The deadline for news and advertising is 12 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11, for the Saturday, Feb. 20, 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 www.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” or call (480) 732-0250 for advertising rate details.
Cancer treatment, close to home.
Our comprehensive clinics are now open.
When we care about each other, we look out for each other. And if you’re battling cancer, you’ll want a comprehensive team with your own Nurse Navigator by your side. It’s why we’re partnering with Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers in the East Valley—to bring expert care closer to you, right where you need it.
Learn more at dignityhealth.org/eastvalleycancerclinic or call 877.602.4111
Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers Comprehensive Cancer Clinic
