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SE Valley Times

Thursday, April 25, 2024

Local Government News

Local Government

Arbor Day Events Showcase Mesa's Commitment to Trees

The City of Mesa has designated Friday, April 26 as Arbor Day to celebrate the City's commitment to tree care and planting programs. In honor of the nationally celebrated observance, Mayor John Giles has issued an Arbor Day Proclamation.“Mesa’s commitment to Arbor Day goes far beyond a proclamation,” said Mayor John Giles. “We’re on a mission to plant one million trees as a lasting gift to future generations, ensuring they inherit a city that is cooler, cleaner and more beautiful.”In addition to celebrating and promoting the significant role trees play in our urban...

By SE Valley Times | Apr 24, 2024

Local Government

New Radio Tower to Improve Public Safety Communications in the East Valley

Public safety and other representatives from the member agencies of the TOPAZ Regional Wireless Cooperative (TRWC) gathered on April 23 for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to dedicate the first new TRWC public safety radio tower in more than 20 years. The new tower, known as H60 (for Highway 60), will improve the coverage area for public safety radios, especially for northeast Mesa, Apache Junction, and Queen Creek."Wireless technology is a critical piece of our regional public safety infrastructure and the TRWC tower will give a much-needed signal boost to emergency crews,”...

By SE Valley Times | Apr 24, 2024

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Tempe Celebrates Earth Day and Community Events

By SE Valley Times | Apr 22, 2024

Hundreds of community members gathered to celebrate the grand opening of the Clark Park Community Center & Pool in Tempe last weekend. The event was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony, free games, activities, face painting, and open swim, as reported by 12News.The new Clark Park Community Center is now operational seven days a week, offering classes and programs for all ages, with rooms available for meetings and events. The accompanying pool is open for lap and open swim until May 25, with summer hours beginning on May 26. More information on hours and admission fees...

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Chandler celebrates Water Safety Month with events and education campaign

By SE Valley Times | Apr 18, 2024

Chandler, Ariz. – The Chandler Fire Department, in conjunction with Chandler Aquatics and the Chandler Police Department, will be holding a Water Safety Walk on Saturday, May 4 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. to kick off National Water Safety Month and the #WaterYouDoing campaign.Chandler firefighters are asking residents and groups to join them in a door-to-door campaign through local neighborhoods to help prevent water-related tragedies in the community, as stated by Chandler Fire Department Chief Tom Dwiggins.Volunteers will gather at Desert Oasis Aquatic Center on the...

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Chandler Hosts Community Listening Session on Teen Violence and Behavioral Health

By SE Valley Times | Apr 18, 2024

Mayor Kevin Hartke of Chandler, Arizona, has called for a community listening session to address teen violence and behavioral health in the area. The event is scheduled for Monday, April 29, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Chandler Nature Center.Chandler Police will provide an update on the issue from a public safety perspective during the session. Dr. Paula McCall, president of Semicolon Society, will also deliver an informative presentation, highlighting resources and additional education on the topic.In a statement, Mayor Hartke encouraged the public to participate in the...

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Chandler’s heat relief services begin May 1

By SE Valley Times | Apr 18, 2024

CHANDLER, Ariz. — The City of Chandler is gearing up to provide essential heat relief services starting May 1, as reported on April 18, 2024. An intergovernmental agreement (IGA) between Chandler and Maricopa County has paved the way for the provision of these crucial services.As part of the agreement, a day respite center will be established at the Salvation Army Chandler Corps, offering a safe haven for residents and individuals experiencing homelessness to cool down and recover from the scorching heat. The center will operate from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through...

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FREE Movies in the Park Series Returns to Tempe This May

By SE Valley Times | Apr 17, 2024

Tempe, AZ - The City of Tempe is excited to announce the return of the Movies in the Park series this May, offering residents and visitors the opportunity to enjoy classic family-friendly movies under the stars at Kiwanis Park. The series will take place on the first four Friday nights of May, with movies beginning at dusk, approximately 7 p.m., on the north soccer fields at Kiwanis Park.According to a city official, attendees are encouraged to "Come early to reserve your spot and hang out with the Tempe Play Mobile for fun pre-movie activities." The events promise to...

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Mesa Residents Invited to Take Survey to Determine Retail Preferences

By SE Valley Times | Apr 17, 2024

The City of Mesa Office of Economic Development is currently conducting a survey to gather the retail preferences and interests of Mesa residents and employees working in Mesa. The survey aims to enhance the quality of dining, shopping, and entertainment options in the area."It is important that Mesa residents and employees who work in Mesa have access to the types and brands of goods and services they desire right here in Mesa," stated Mesa Economic Development Director Jaye O’Donnell.Through an online survey open until Tuesday, April 30, participants have the...

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Local Government

Music Under the Stars Event to Showcase Tempe's Local Talent

By SE Valley Times | Apr 16, 2024

Music Under the Stars is a unique celebration of local concert and marching bands, combining high school students and local professional musicians. The free event offers an inclusive community atmosphere where everyone can enjoy live music free of charge. Doors open at 7 p.m. with a mariachi and steel drum pre-show, followed by live music performances by Tempe Union High School band students and local professional musicians.One of the organizers shared, "Featuring live music by Tempe Union High School band students and local professional musicians."The event will...

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Mesa Climate Action Plan Drives Sustainable Change for Mesa

By SE Valley Times | Apr 16, 2024

The City of Mesa has been actively investing in climate projects since adopting the Mesa Climate Action Plan (MCAP) in 2021, with a commitment to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. Mayor John Giles emphasized the city's dedication to these goals, stating, "These initiatives show that Mesa is serious about our climate action goals. We are making progress, but we need to keep working hard to make our community more resilient. We have a good plan, and we need to keep moving forward."The investments made in the MCAP have led to significant advancements in various departments of...

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Chandler City Council Votes to Establish Historic Preservation District in Silk Stocking Neighborhood

By SE Valley Times | Apr 16, 2024

CHANDLER, Ariz. — The Chandler City Council recently voted to establish a Historic Preservation (HP) District zoning overlay within a portion of Downtown Chandler’s Silk Stocking neighborhood. The HP overlay encompasses 23 designated properties along Washington and Coronado streets whose property owners signed a waiver to adhere to the historic preservation ordinance and its accompanying design guidelines for property maintenance, repair, and rehabilitation.The request for this new historic district was a grassroots effort led by Silk Stocking neighbors Melisa Lalich and...

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Free Art Friday: Tots Take Over Tempe with Creative Activities

By SE Valley Times | Apr 15, 2024

Free Art Friday: Tots TakeoverFriday, April 19, 9 a.m. to noon*BONUS* Saturday, April 20, 9 a.m. to noonJoin us this weekend as the tots take over!Featuring events on Friday AND SaturdaySee you soon!Free Art FridayFriday, April 19 +Saturday, April 209 a.m. to noon3340 S. Rural RoadTwice the opportunities means twice the fun! This month, Free Art Friday presents a bonus Saturday as we offer the same great art activities, music and more on both days.Tots take the wheel for the final Free Art Friday events of the season! Celebrate their natural wonder and creativity as they...

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Local Government

Exciting Events and Initiatives in Tempe This Week

By SE Valley Times | Apr 15, 2024

Residents of Tempe have a variety of exciting events and initiatives to look forward to this week. The brand new Clark Park Community Center & Pool offers a range of activities, including water sliding, fitness classes, lap swimming, and crocheting. This project is part of the Refresh Tempe initiative, which aims to enhance the city's amenities and infrastructure to improve the quality of life.In other news, residents are encouraged to provide feedback on draft plans outlining federally-funded programs related to housing and homelessness in Tempe. Volunteers are also...

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Mesa Music Festival Connects Musicians and Industry Pros

By SE Valley Times | Apr 15, 2024

The Mesa Music Festival, set to take place from April 18 through 20, is gearing up to bring together musicians, industry professionals, and music enthusiasts for a vibrant celebration of art and culture in Downtown Mesa, Arizona.As described by the festival organizers, the Mesa Music Festival stands out as "the premier emerging artist festival in Arizona that celebrates all forms of art, especially music, and the culture of Downtown Mesa." The event, now in its seventh season, aims to facilitate connections between artists, the public, and industry veterans....

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Chandler’s DEI Division hosts the Breakthrough Mental Health Conference on May 4

By SE Valley Times | Apr 15, 2024

CHANDLER, Ariz. — The last of Chandler’s Building Better Mental Health series continues with its final installment, the Breakthrough Mental Health Conference, on Saturday, May 4 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The free event will be held at the ASU Chandler Innovation Center, 249 E. Chicago St.Held in collaboration with the city’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Division and Let’s Talk Counseling Services, the free event is designed to provide the community with essential mental health tools, information, and resources. Local therapists, social workers, and mental health advocates...

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Chandler Nature Center Hosts Earth Day Celebration on April 20

By SE Valley Times | Apr 15, 2024

CHANDLER, Ariz. – The City of Chandler Earth Day Celebration is set to take place on April 20 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Chandler Nature Center (CNC) and Veterans Oasis Park. The event promises a morning of environment-friendly activities and educational sessions for all ages."We are honored to live in such an amazing desert landscape. There is so much to learn and explore!" expressed Cadia Hernandez, Recreation Coordinator at the CNC, highlighting the beauty of the natural surroundings.Hernandez further emphasized the significance of individual actions in environmental...

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Local Government

New Presiding City Magistrate Appointed in Mesa

By SE Valley Times | Apr 15, 2024

Mesa City Council has appointed Stephen Umpleby to be the new Presiding City Magistrate, as approved during the April 15 City Council meeting. Mayor John Giles commended Umpleby, stating, "In his three years on the bench, Judge Umpleby has proven to be an innovative, compassionate and excellent magistrate. He is part of an outstanding judicial team that has made Mesa the best city court in our state."Judge Umpleby, who has been a City Magistrate with Mesa Municipal Court since February 2021, has introduced initiatives such as the Domestic Violence Court, aiming to reduce...

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Local Government

Celebration in Tempe as New Clark Park Community Center & Pool Opens

By SE Valley Times | Apr 15, 2024

Residents of Tempe, Arizona have much to celebrate as the new Clark Park Community Center & Pool is set to open its doors on Saturday, April 20. The grand opening event will feature a ribbon cutting ceremony, activities for all ages, refreshments, and free open swim in the heated pool. The community center, located at 1730 S. Roosevelt St., will offer a wide range of activities including fitness classes, lap swimming, crocheting, and more.Tempe Mayor Corey Woods expressed his gratitude towards everyone involved in bringing the new facility to life, stating, "The new...

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Congressman Biggs Denounces House’s Failure to Adopt FISA Section 702 Warrant Requirement Amendment

By SE Valley Times | Apr 12, 2024

Today, Congressman Andy Biggs (R-AZ) expressed his disappointment in the House's failure to adopt his amendment aimed at stopping warrantless searches of Americans under FISA 702. The vote on H.R. 7888, the Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act, resulted in a 212-212 tie, preventing the adoption of the proposed amendment.In a statement, Congressman Biggs emphasized the significance of protecting the constitutional right to privacy guaranteed by the Fourth Amendment, stating, “Today’s failure of Congress to end warrantless surveillance of Americans under the FISA...

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CinePark Presents Family Movies at Tumbleweed Park

By SE Valley Times | Apr 11, 2024

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...