SE Valley Times

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has enacted a new law ensuring mobile-home owners can install cooling measures, following significant research by Arizona State University's (ASU) Knowledge Exchange for Resilience. This interdisciplinary center collaborated with local communities for over five years to address the extreme heat issues affecting mobile homes in the Valley.

CinePark Presents Family Movies at Tumbleweed Park

CHANDLER, Ariz. – The City of Chandler is set to host its annual family-friendly movie series, CinePark, at Tumbleweed Park on three consecutive Friday evenings in May. The event promises a night out filled with entertainment for families and friends.According to the article, attendees can look forward to enjoying movies under the stars on a large outdoor screen in the park's amphitheater. The admission is free, making it an accessible option for all community members. In addition, guests are encouraged to bring their own blankets, chairs, and snacks to enhance their...

Tempe Honors 17 Neighbors at Lively Saturday Celebration

The City of Tempe recently held its third annual Neighborhood Celebration, where 17 outstanding neighbors, community members, and local businesses were honored for their contributions to the community. The event, which took place at Kiwanis Park, brought together over 300 community members for a day filled with games, live music, and fun activities.Among the award winners were the Broadmor Bike Bus, Cranksgiving, Oasis Lake, Elie Merheb, Lane Carraway, Jeff Caslake, Sid Frede, and the Tempe Preparatory Academy National Honor Society club. Additionally, individuals and...

Smart Tag Pilot Launches at Three Schools

Mesa Public Schools is set to launch a pilot program of the SMART tag bus security system at three schools this spring, aimed at improving safety and efficiency for students and parents. The three schools selected for the pilot program are Guerrero Elementary, Smith Junior High, and Westwood High School, with implementation starting on April 15. The district plans to expand the SMART tag system to all schools in the upcoming 2024-25 school year.The SMART tag system is designed to enhance safety and security for students riding on school buses through the use of...

Mesa Joints Bloomberg Philanthropies' Youth Action Fund to Activate Young People in Driving Climate Solutions

Mesa Mayor John Giles announced today that Mesa will be joining Bloomberg Philanthropies' new Youth Climate Action Fund, a program aimed at activating young people to design and implement urgent climate solutions. Mayor Giles expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, “Through the Youth Climate Action Fund, Bloomberg Philanthropies empowers municipalities to engage our young people towards local climate action, and engaging our community is a pillar of our Climate Action Plan.”The Youth Climate Action Fund, which includes Mesa alongside 100 mayors from around...

More Than 300,000 Fans Attend Spring Training Games in Mesa

Mesa celebrates the culmination of a successful 2024 Spring Training season with the Chicago Cubs leading attendance across the Cactus League. According to a report, a total of 241,215 fans passed through the gates of Sloan Park between Feb. 23 and March 26, with an average of 13,401 fans at the 18 games played there. The Oakland A’s also saw significant attendance, with 63,893 fans passing through the gates of HoHoKam Stadium, averaging 5,324 fans at 12 games.Mayor John Giles expressed his enthusiasm for the support shown by fans during spring training, stating, "Spring...

Congressman Biggs Demands Investigation into Outrageous $37.7 Million Fine Against Nation’s Largest Christian University

On April 10, 2024, Congressman Andy Biggs (R-AZ) took a stand against the U.S. Department of Education's record-setting $37.7 million fine imposed on Grand Canyon University (GCU). In a letter to the U.S. Department of Education Inspector General Sandra Bruce, Biggs urged for an investigation into the allegations against GCU, the largest Christian university in the nation.Biggs expressed his concerns, stating, "The Department of Education’s egregious fine against GCU is yet another example of a weaponized federal government.” He emphasized the need for scrutiny into the...

The Fourth Grade Project: A Global Exhibition of Children's Perspectives

CHANDLER, Ariz. – Acclaimed artist Judy Gelles brings a unique exhibition titled "The Fourth Grade Project" to the Chandler Museum, showcasing the perspectives of over 300 fourth-grade students from various countries and cultural backgrounds. The exhibition, which runs from April 23 to August 11, offers a glimpse into the lives of children around the world through a series of interviews and photographs.Gelles, the artist behind the project, explains the significance of the children's voices, stating, "Their stories touch on some of our most common human experiences and...

Mesa Celebrates Mother Earth with a Wide Range of Programs and Events

Mesa, Arizona - Mesa is commemorating Earth Month by hosting various events throughout April to celebrate and raise awareness about environmental sustainability. Scott Bouchie, Energy and Sustainability Director, expressed Mesa's dedication to protecting natural resources, stating, “Earth Month is the perfect time to showcase Mesa’s commitment to protect and conserve our natural resources for our residents, businesses and future generations.”Bouchie highlighted Mesa's ongoing efforts, mentioning, “Mesa’s Climate Action Plan – which focuses on air quality, heat mitigation,...

Chandler Celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander-Heritage Month

CHANDLER, Ariz. — The City of Chandler is gearing up to honor Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month this May. The city is set to pay tribute to the significant contributions of the AAPI community that have played a vital role in shaping Chandler's diverse landscape.As part of the celebrations, the city's Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Division will host the Asian American Community Connection event, providing a platform for individuals to engage in meaningful conversations and connect with various organizations. Adrianna Tušek Erickson from Chandler's...

ASU ranks high with multiple graduate programs among nation's best

By SE Valley Times | Apr 9, 2024

Arizona State University (ASU) has seen 14 of its graduate programs ranked among the top 10 nationwide, according to U.S. News & World Report's 2024 rankings. The university also boasts a total of 32 programs in the top 20.

Mesa Parks and Recreation Summer Programs Now Open for Registration

Mesa residents can now sign up for the City’s Parks and Recreation summer programs. The registration for non-Mesa residents will open next Monday, April 15 at 8 a.m. The programs cater to people of all ages and abilities. The programs offered include a wide range of activities such as adult sports like volleyball, softball, tennis, pickleball, and more. There are youth activities like tennis, cheer clinics, and even a Major League Baseball Pitch, Hit and Run event. Teen activities include dodgeball night, pickleball night, tennis camps, tournaments, and STEM activities. ...

Traffic Restrictions Imposed at E. McKellips Road and Gilbert Road Intersection Following Water Main Break

Emergency repairs are underway at the intersection of E. McKellips Road and Gilbert Road following a water main break. The intersection will be closed for approximately 4 hours as repairs are carried out. Those in the vicinity are advised to steer clear of the area during this time. According to the official statement, "Updates will be provided" as the repair work progresses. If there are any inquiries, individuals are encouraged to reach out at (480) 644-2262 for further details.

Save The Date: High School Theater Performances that Dazzle

Mesa Public Schools invites you to join us for our upcoming theater performances. The school district is excited to showcase the talents of its students on stage. In a statement, they urge the community to "come out and support our talented students while you and your families enjoy the show!"Mark your calendars for this exciting event and show your support for the arts in education.

The American Public Power Association Recognizes Mesa Electric for Outstanding Safety Practices

Mesa Electric has been honored by the American Public Power Association for its outstanding safety practices in 2023. The utility company received the prestigious Safety Award of Excellence for maintaining safe operating practices, with over 2,000 days without a lost time accident among its electrical staff.Scott Bouchie, the Energy Resources Department Director at Mesa Electric, expressed pride in the employees' dedication to safety and reliability, stating, “Our employees have demonstrated their commitment to safety and reliability with over five years without a lost...

Tempe This Week: April 8, 2024 - Highlights and Events