GLENDALE MOVES DIRT TO MOVE PEOPLE

FIRST “GREEN” PARK AND RIDE FACILITY

TO BREAK GROUND

WHO:             City of Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs , Councilmember Joyce Clark, along with Glendale Officials will showcase a new Glendale Park and Ride. This facility is a “green” design and the first environmentally friendly structure of its kind.

WHAT:           Buses, shuffles, shovels and the community will carve out the future of the Valley’s largest Park and Ride. Guests will learn about the various green engineering designs that will make this facility environmentally friendly.  For example, experts will demonstrate a street surface that will act as a sponge (say goodbye to puddles and urban heat). This project is one of the first large projects in the state utilizing this science. 

WHERE:        Northeast corner of 99^th Avenue and Glendale Avenue

WHEN:           10 a.m., Tuesday, May 15.

GLENDALE CHOCOLATE AFFAIRE WINS

EVENT INDUSTRY AWARD

GLENDALE, Ariz. – Glendale’s Office of Special Events has received the award for Best Fair/Festival by the Arizona Chapter of the International Special Events Society for the Glendale Chocolate Affaire.

            This honor is part of the society's 2007 Arizona Event Industry Awards program. The awards, which were given out earlier this month, recognize special events and festivals from across the state.

            "It's an honor to be recognized by your peers in the event industry who truly understand everything that goes into planning and producing a large-scale outdoor festival like the Glendale Chocolate Affaire," said Jerry McCoy, Glendale's deputy director of Marketing/Communications. "Since we started the chocolate festival 11 years ago, the event continues to grow and attract thousands of visitors to our downtown." 

            The annual event delights thousands of chocolate lovers from throughout the Valley, who are treated to more than three dozen chocolatiers selling various and sundry confections, as well as musical performances, romance novelists, activities for children and tours of Glendale’s own chocolate factory, Cerreta’s Candy Company.

This honor adds to the many accolades the event has garnered, including being named one of the top 100 events in North America by the Washington Post, the Seattle Times and the American Bus Association. The event also was bestowed with the 2003 Governor’s Tourism Award for the Best Special Event in Arizona.

Glendale Public Library Receives Over $52,000 in Grant Funds for Teen and Adult Programming

GLENDALE, Ariz. – Look for some exciting programs for teens and adults to be coming to the Glendale Public Library System within the next year, thanks to $52,200 in LSTA grant monies from the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records Agency, under the Library Services and Technology Act, which is administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

        The first project, called Game On!, will provide teens with a safe recreational environment to explore gaming through online and console video games in interactive programs. The library was awarded $45,200 to purchase laptops, software, console gaming systems and items such as game guides, cheat codes, books on gaming careers, gaming magazines and game art books that can be checked out.

        Kristin Fletcher-Spear, a teen librarian at Foothills Branch, says, “Gaming is an activity enjoyed by all ages, regardless of economic status. A social atmosphere will be created in the library with the advent of open gaming labs.”

        She goes on to add, “Too many teens simply see the library as being a ‘book place.’ We feel that by bringing gaming into the library, we can effectively reach more teens in Glendale. The library needs to keep up with the technology that plays such a huge role in the lives of today’s teenagers.”

        These labs will be available at all three Glendale libraries: the Main Library at 5959 W. Brown St.; the Foothills Branch at 19055 N. 57^th Ave.; and the Velma Teague Branch at 7010 N. 58^th Ave. They are scheduled to open sometime in September.

        Callaloo: An African Arts Stew was funded for $7,000. Cyndee Landrum, the Multicultural Librarian at the Main Library, has planned an incredible array of free workshops and performances to showcase the artistic and cultural diversity of people of African descent. The library partnered with the Glendale Commission on the Arts, The Bead Museum and two library programs—Jazz on the Lawn and Live at the Library—to showcase the unique experiences of African peoples in the Americas, Caribbean and Africa.

        As part of Callaloo, the Glendale Adult Center at 5970 W. Brown St., will be the site for an exhibit of local African American artists. The show will run from January 2-February 1, 2008. The Bead Museum workshops and cultural performances will begin during the second week of January and conclude March 6..

        In planning this series, Landrum noted that the Black population of the Phoenix area has doubled between 1990 and 2005. She also pointed out that the close-knit Black community has moved far beyond its South Phoenix enclave, to every city and town in the Valley.

        “The Black community is a much more diversified one with many cultural groups,” says Landrum. “Two examples of that diversity are the Phoenix Lost Boys Center, a haven for Sudanese refugees, and the Caribbean American Association of Arizona, an umbrella organization representing the peoples and cultures of a variety of island nations.”

        Many of the performances will be held on Thursday evenings, being incorporated into the Live at the Library series. Look for Alexander Laing of the Phoenix Symphony, Kawambe-Omowale African Drumming, the Caribbean Zone, Afro-Brazilian Dance, and BlackPoet Ventures.

                For more information about these grants, call Fletcher-Spear at 623-930-3840 or Landrum at 623-930-3572.

FIREFIGHTERS KICKED OFF WATER  SAFETY CAMPAIGN AT ARROWHEAD MALL  - FREE SWIMMING LESSONS FOR KIDS!

                         GLENDALE, AZ – With summer fast approaching and kids heading to the pool comes the risk of children around water.

     Saturday May 12^th, Glendale Firefighters with the help of Salt River Project kicked off this summers’ water safety campaign at Arrowhead Towne Center located at 75^th avenue and Bell Road in Glendale beginning at 10:00AM.

                      Firefighters and volunteers were located at the lower level by JC Penney’s, and  haned out framed certificates to children and parents who placed their hand prints on the certificate and “pledge” to watch their children around the water.

                      Glendale Fire Safety clowns were also on hand demonstrating through interactive song and dance the importance of being “water wise”.  Information on CPR certification, swimming lessons and the ABC’s of water safety were also available.   Mayor Elaine Scruggs accepted a $5000.00 check from Southwest Ambulance that will provide free swimming lessons to kids who reside in the City of Glendale.

• A variety of foods
• Lots of fun for the kids
• Free Car show and concert
• Raffle prizes, giveaways
• DJ spinning, Hip-Hop/R & B
• Chicana Dress Contest
• Best Zoot Suiter Contest

Steven Morales  "Peoples Choice"            First Place Semi- Custom Bicycle

Steven Morales Tells Us About His Award Winning Bike!

"What you see before you was actually a project that my daughter ( Rachel Morales) and I (Steven Morales) started approx 2 years ago, it began with a basic bicycle frame being completely disassembled than being reborn with some of the craziest ideas that I would come up with such as installing spinning wheels which continue to spin when the bike has come to a stop!!! and another idea was to install a air ride kit which runs on cold air using a high pressure switch that runs between a cylinder in the front of the bike and a Co2 bottle on the rear of the bike with a 1/4 inch airline tubing for the transmission of air, this allows the bike frame to raise and lower at the touch of a switch, we have won peoples choice trophy in 2006  and recently took first place this past weekend at the barrio fest lowrider show in Glendale, please continue to look out for us at the next show to see what crazy ideas we will come up with next."

Tony Escobar "Emerald II"

GLENDALE WELCOMES HOME JORDIN SPARKS

Westgate City Center and Sanderson Ford  partner with city on pep rally

Jordin Sparks sign at Westgate - An astounded Jordin reacts to  the gifts and honors bestowed upon her 

         Glendale Daily Planet. – With the announcement from Fox’s American Idol that Jordin Sparks has moved on to the top three, a hometown visit was planned for Glendale’s newest superstar.

City officials were notified by Fox of the visit, scheduled for Friday, May 11. The city  partnered with Westgate City Center and Sanderson Ford to throw a huge sport’s themed pep rally that  rivaled the excitement of the recent college football games.

The event was free and open to the public. Festivities began at 3:30 with live performances from past “Arizona Idols.” A procession, at 4 pm, brought Jordin into the Westgate City Center Fountain Park, located at the north end of the retail development.

Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs and the Valley’s five professional sports teams  took part in a pep rally that celebrated Jordin’s success. Cheerleaders, mascots and player appearances made this an event fans did not want to miss!

Jordin performed several songs live that until now fans have only been able to see on TV.

It was hot... but it was fun... and we were happy to cheer Jordin on!

HISTORIC PRESERVATION AND PUBLIC WORKS WEEK

Historic Preservation Month Proclamation By Mayor Elaine Scruggs, City of Glendale 

Presentation of the Ruth Bryne Historic Award

	Council Chamber Picture   Front Row Left to Right JoAnn Nadasi Lorraine Porta Jackie F. Evasius, First Vice President   Back Row Fran Marciniak Sharon Hicks, Corresponding Secretary Unknown, Chairman, Historical Preservation Committee Ruth Bryne Joan Van Dusen, President Susan Bangs, Second Vice President Lisa Wagner, Recording Secretary Martha Rogers
Outdoor Photo, Four People with Award Sharon Hicks, Corresponding Secretary Joan Van Dusen, President Ruth Bryne Lorraine Porta	Group Outdoor Photo Martha Rogers Anna Lee Rea Lisa Wagner, Recording Secretary Jackie F. Evasius, First Vice President Sharon Hicks, Corresponding Secretary Joan Van Dusen, President Ruth Bryne Lorraine Porta Susan Bangs, Second Vice President Carole Nelson, Trustee Betty Klass Max Klass, Glendale Woman's Club Men's Auxiliary Peggy Smith, Truste
Max Klass, Glendale Woman's Club Men's Auxiliary Betty Klass Ruth Bryne
PRESENTATION OF BRONZE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES PLAQUES   - MAY 17, 2007 At the request of the Mayor and City Council, bronze plaques for the National Register of Historic Places have been acquired for presentation to owners of contributing properties in the Catlin Court Historic District that are listed on the National Register. A contributing property is one that is at least 50 years old, has kept its exterior integrity, and is historically significant as to architecture, person, place, or event. It is a great honor for these buildings to be listed on the National Register. As part of the 2007 National Historic Preservation Month, the Historic Preservation Commission will hold a special meeting to present you with a beautiful 10" X 7" bronze plaque. The presentation will be held on May 14, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. in the Glendale City Council Chambers located at 5850 West Glendale Avenue, Glendale, Arizona. It is requested that you hang the plaque next to your front door so that people can recognize the historical importance of your building. The plaque is front mounted and comes with four screws and a set of written instructions for installation.
<left> The next week  (May 14) Councilperson David Goulet and Ron Short Deputy Director of Long Range Planning Historic Preservation Officer  at the City of Glendale  presented  beautiful bronze plaques to residents and businesses that had been added to the national historic register. <right> The aforementioned people with Ed Sharpe Form Glendale Daily Planet. The 'Planet is housed in the old Coury House in Catlin Court Historic District.

PUBLIC WORKS WEEK PROCLAMATION

WATCH THE MOVIE!

Public Works Week proclamation By Mayor Elaine Scruggs, City of Glendale. 

     Ken Reedy City of Glendale Deputy City Manager accepting the proclamation. Reedy's office oversees the public works section of the city.

WATCH THE MOVIE!

SUCCESSFUL GOLF TOURNAMENT PROMOTES

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM FOR GLENDALE YOUTH

GLENDALE, Ariz. – Glendale’s Parks & Recreation Department hosted its first-ever Hook a Kid on Golf Charity Tournament on April 21 to raise money to support the department’s Hook a Kid of Golf program. The tournament had 84 golfers participate, raising more than $5,000 for the program. 

Hook a Kid on Golf is a national initiative that Glendale supports to offer introductory camps for youth ages 8-13 who would not normally have the opportunity to play golf. Camps are offered during the summer to Glendale residents who meet the criteria for the scholarship program.

Results from the tournament are: First place taken by a team representing Triple M Recreation (round – 53): Kevin Richards, Vern Biaett, Gavin Jensen and Mark Englehart; Second place also taken by a team representing Triple M Recreation (round – 54): Pat Lynch, John Sies, Kirby Rubio and Tony Viola; Third place taken by a team representing Tot Turf (round – 55): Bill Stafford, Ryan O’Donell, Brian Dimond and Pete Lugowski. The highest score award (79) was taken by Richard Sledge, Tony Hill, Robert Cruz and Michael Whitmer.

Title sponsor for the tournament was Triple M Recreation, and presenting sponsor for the event was Tot Turf by Robertson Industries, Inc. 

Other sponsors included Canyon Home Builders, Arizona Color Promotions, R & R Lotion ,  

Sanderson Ford, Ryan's Touchdown Sportswear and Promotions, M & J Trophies, Musco Lighting, Olsson Associates, Innovative Design and Artistry, Farmer's Insurance: Bob Ratkovich, Farmer's Insurance: Debbie Smith, the Bob Rhodes Family, Rick Acord's Honda/Acura Service and Repair, Desert Mirage Golf Course, Glen Lakes Golf Course, Domino's Pizza and AGE Glass Excellence.

The second annual City of Glendale Hook a Kid on Golf Charity Tournament is scheduled for Saturday, April 12, 2008, at the Legend at Arrowhead Golf Club.

1.  Land for the GCC North site was bought in 1984

2.  The first buildings were built and occupied in 2000.

3.  The first phase (Phase 1--composed of 4 buildings)  for which ground was broken, will be finished in time for fall classes to start in August of 2008.

4.  The square footage of GCC North will be increased from 20,000 to 68,000.

5.  This project will be carried out under budget.

GCC North

GCC North is projected to enroll 7,950 students annually by 2014. In preparation for this growth, GCC North's Facilities Master Plan includes expanding facilities to include a new classroom building and a student services building. Funding for expanded facilities will come from the citizen-approved 2004 bond.  See more detail below.

The GCC North expansion project will add 68,000 gsf to a 20,000 gsf Existing Site.  New construction will add three new buildings: Instruction, Information
(Library/Media/Computer Commons ), and Student Services ( Business Services/Student Life/Cafeteria/Fitness Center ); plus a Central Plant.  

The Instruction Bldg. (17,983 gsf) will provide three science labs for biology, chemistry and the physical sciences.  Additionally, three general purpose classrooms, each capable of seating 48 students, will be built.  Labs and classrooms surround a large Prep Room core (for the labs), allowing the building in future phases to support six labs.  This use, following a minor conversion of classrooms to lab facilities, for which this building's infrastructure is already programmed.  Offices for faculty and staff, a tutoring center and social space for students to gather and meet colleagues or faculty complete this building.

The Information Bldg. (17,542 gsf) will house the campus Library, Computer Commons (with 50 workstations) and Media Center.  Like all buildings on this site, the Instruction Bldg. is programmed for the future.  College's seldom build more libraries, but computer commons, large and small seem to  pop up in many future designs.  Should the need arise, a new High Tech Center could be built in a future phase and the square footage allocated in the Instruction Bldg. converted into Library space.  Additionally, a courtyard space (1,000 gsf)  on the east end of the building can be enclosed  to serve as a future classroom.

The Student Services Bldg. (26,455 gsf) will house Enrollment and Business Services (Registration, Advising, Cashier Services, Financial Aid, Bookstore), Student Services (Student Lounge, Game Room, Cafeteria, Community Room) and a full service Fitness Center and Activity Room.  In a future phase, planning may favor a new athletic or fitness center, allowing 2,000 gsf to be re-purposed to support other business or student service needs.  Likewise, the original community room was designed for 1,800 gsf, but reduced to 1,200 gsf.  Still, infrastructure surrounding this room would support future expansion of this room should the need arise.

The final building, the Central Plant (5,695 gsf) will support electrical power, heating and cooling, maintenance and other logistical needs of this phase of construction, and at least two future phases.  Additional space will be built to add additional cooling towers, and those installed have features to maximize energy consumption and wear and tear on the underground water lines.

To complete the site, a total of 542 parking spaces will be added, and lighting security cameras and blue phones installed and connected to College Safety in the Existing Site. 

Throughout the planning of GCC North, sustainability, functionality, safety and future use have been guiding principles.  Additionally, preservation of the environment has been a theme throughout, perhaps best signified by the nine Ironwood Trees, salvaged from the site to become landmarks for this great college in the Northwest Valley.

 THE TALE OF A TORN UP CABLE

or:  Telecommunications tragedy along the  B of A Parking structure construction road!

A Telephone box needed to be moved so with some re-arranging of cables under the surface of the road It seemed easy enough. The box was to be re-located from the SW corner of 58th  and Palmaire Avenues to a midpoint on northside of Palmaire Avenue.

The method to be used was to bore  from one open hole at one end of the street to the other hole at the other end.  This method is used rather than the old fashioned way of opening up a trench in the entire street. It is cleaner and  does not tear up the surroundings as much as you only have to have to open two holes.

 

 Splicers (L to R) Scott Markland and  Rick Hartlaueo busy at work making repairs to  the damaged 2400 pair telephone cable. Not shown is one person preparing the splices and handing them off for the two gentlemen  to install and also the job supervisor.  Had this cable been completely severed it would gave  created 4 to 5 days of work to repair with  personnel working 2 12 hour shifts  for 4 to 5 days.

Close-up of the splice.

THE THIRD DAY...

bandaged cables!

mis-marked  underground cable cause errors

This is where the cable originates...  the Qwest central office 58th and  Glenn dr.

The shaft of the boring head enters the ground at an angle but straightens out as front sections move forward.

David Molina of Phoenix is the operator of the  Vermeer 18x22 boring machine. David has been working with these machines for 20 years. ( I have much more data to add on the machine.)

The shaft of the boring head enters the ground at an angle but straightens out as front sections move forward.

At the far end of this photo you can see operator David  Molina in his orange vest barely visible. The Vermeer boring machine will complete the first bore from end to end in 12 minutes to cover this  120 feet.

Inspecting the end bore hole.

The large boring head is attached and pulled back though the  first pilot bore that was done thus making  the final large  tunnel that is needed to carry many large cables. Note it is safely under the  cable that crosses it's path.

The Boring machine is all packed up and ready top  go on to the  next job!

FREE COMIC BOOK DAY
GLENDALE ARIZONA!   

 
Photos and story Ed Sharpe -  Glendale Daily Planet

Free Comic Books and Showing of  Super-Hero
Movies by Local Business and  Public Library

 

Jeff  Aden  A.K.A JASTER , Writer Benjamin Glendenning A.K.A  SKULLJAMMER, Artist Ken Brown, Owner Drawn to Comics	A Busy Day  at Drawn to Comics.	Cynthia Pena with Julie and Morgan   working on their artwork!
Julie and  Morgan Glendenning with Jeff  Aden on the right.	"...a great opportunity to expand the comic book industry to new readers." - Julie Glendenning	Julie and  Benjamin Glendenning

Then we headed across the street to the Velma Teague Branch Library for a  free, 12:30 p.m. showing of two popular superhero movies in the library's "Teen Zone" and compete for a prize pack in the Superhero Trivia Challenge.  and..... MORE FEEE COMIC BOOKS!

Velma Teague Branch Library, 7010 N. 58th Ave., Glendale.  (623) 930-3431.

Teens Enjoy Free Movies!    Librarian Julie Havir Assists Patrons With Selection of Comic Books.

Drawing of  Glendale Daily Planet Author Ed Sharpe By  
Benjamin Glendenning A.K.A  SKULLJAMMER, Artist for 
SUPERWORLD PRESENTS ( www.superworldpresents.com )

It was interesting watching this being drawn of me, these artists make it look so easy as they deftly move their pencils and pens over the surface of the paper...

Event Sponsors:

Velma Teague Branch Library: 7010 N. 58th Ave. Glendale, AZ 85301

Drawn to Comics 5619 W. Glendale Ave Glendale AZ 85301 PH :623-847-9090 Fax: 623-847-8585

North & West Valley Business Alliance Awards & Networking Event
When: Thursday, May 3, 2007   5:30-8:00pm
Where: ASU School of Global Management & Leadership, 4701 W. Thunderbird Road, Glendale, AZ 85306

The awards program was followed by the West Valley's networking event of the year! Indeed this was an  opportunity to connect!

See more photos HERE!

 Students learn about the law

Story and photos by Elizabeth Jackman   Courtesy of The Glendale Star 

Presiding Judge Elizabeth Finn gave instructional
 speeches about how the court works.

About 30 students from Copper Canyon High School celebrated National Law Day by visiting Glendale City Court Tuesday morning.

The theme of this year’s Law Day was “Liberty Under Law: Empowering Youth, Assuring Democracy.”

Activities during the day included a mock council meeting, a tour of the court building, and instructional speeches about how the court works by Presiding Judge Elizabeth Finn, the role of the prosecutor by Tamika Cheatham, role of the public defender by Percival Bradley and the role of the Glendale City Attorney by Misty Leslie.

Yucca District Councilmember Joyce Clark gave a welcome speech to the students, then helped instruct them as they played the roles of council, mayor and citizens during a mock council meeting where the agenda item was ‘teen curfew.’

“I have seen the city grow from 40,000 when I moved here in 1968 to 250,000 people today,” Clark said. “We are the fourth largest city in Arizona and nationally 74th, we are not a little city anymore.”

Clark went on to explain the role and duties of being an elected council member and the importance of laws.

“Without law, there is chaos,” Clark said. “It gives us a framework to treat others fairly and respectfully. The system does work, even though some people think it doesn’t. Law is important because it keeps us from sinking into anarchy. Nothing is solved by violence, it begets more violence.”

She then gave the students an oral quiz about the Supreme Court. The students who were from Meggan Brooks’ social studies class had done their homework.

“How many Supreme Court justices are there,” Clark inquired.

“Nine,” one student replied back.

She also asked them how many Black justices there were, (2) how many women justices (2), Hispanic justices (0), and how many from Arizona . While they all knew of Sandra Day O’Connor, she stumped them on the second which was William Rehnquist.

A luncheon in the courtyard was followed by certificates of appreciation which capped off the day.

In Arizona there are approximately 12,000 lawyers practicing law. National Law Day is an annual event held in conjunction with the American Bar Association to expand awareness of how the legal system impacts lives.

Reach the reporter at www.star-times.com or (623) 847-4615

LUND CADILLAC GLENDALE GROUNDBREAKING

Ed Sharpe - Glendale Daily Planet

Glendale Groundbreaking Ceremony:
April 26th: 1:30 pm at 8310 W. Bell Road

In celebrating their 20 Year Anniversary, the Lund Group is set to launch two new dealership projects on Thursday, April 26th and Friday, April 27th with groundbreaking ceremonies in the Phoenix metropolitan area.

Today we were present for the  first groundbreaking at the site on the northeast corner of the Loop 101 and W. Bell Road

.

The second site is located in North Scottsdale, on the southeast corner of the Loop 101 and Scottsdale Road.

Each of the new dealership facilities will provide a richly appointed environment of over 81,000 total square feet of floor space designed to deliver the most remarkable sales and service experience in the automotive industry. With several of GM’s best selling product lines, each showroom will encompass over 11,300 square feet of floor space, accommodating more than 15 vehicles in a luxuriously stated setting. Beyond the showroom’s decorative elements, customers will find a beautiful, five-star resort inspired landscape.

Robert (Bob) Lund  and family members

 Check in!

-  Pick up your hard hat and name badge!

(And part of the facility in the shape of the back of a Cadillac!)

"The addition of Lund Cadillac, Hummer, Saab is a nice way to finish off Bell Road.  The dealership, located at 8310 West Bell Road, brings three premiere  brands of automobiles  to Glendale.  Superior architecture and environmentally friendly design will be incorporated into the building construction."   "It puts Glendale back in the new car game."   Jon Froke, AICP Planning Director City of Glendale

The Big Picture! Lund Staff can be seen looking though the back of this detailed Architectural  model of the  new facility. -Click photos for larger view.

Lund employees from all facets of the business were in attendance to see the location and celebrate the  ground breaking of their new place of business.

---------------Lots of loyal Lund customers showed up to celebrate also!

 John Lund addresses the crowd.

  Pretty Cadillacs on display!  

"Besides employing several hundred employees here in Glendale the new dealership will be state the most state of the art, energy efficient and the largest Cadillac Dealership not only in the United States but throughout the world. The success of Lund Cadillac not only starts with the Lund Family but it's extended family their dedicated employees and most of all their loyal customers."         Steven Frate, Councilmember - Sahuaro District

(L to R: Councilmember Steve Frate , Mayor Elaine Scruggs and John Lund break the ground for the new facility)

---

The Media was  there in numbers....

COUNCILMAN DAVID GOULET HOSTS

NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES FAIR APRIL 26

OCOTILLO DISTRICT 
NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING
 PHOTOS ARE POSTED!

(article in progress send in your info, captions and  paragraphs to be included folks)

         Glendale Daily Planet – Residents and businesses are invited to attend the Ocotillo District Neighborhood Services Fair from 6 – 8 p.m. Thursday, April 26 at the Glendale Woman’s Club, 7032 N. 56^th Ave.

         Councilman David Goulet hosted the event to make citizens aware of the array of programs and services the city provides to residents, businesses and neighborhoods.

Tim Quinn proud Catlin Court Home home owner who narrated a Historic Home tour segment  on his house for CouryGraph Productions and  Ed Sharpe  from Glendale Daily Planet / KKAT-IPTV Examine the CouryGraph Productions Davey Award.

David Goulet Ocotillo District Councilperson and Ed Sharpe  from Glendale Daily Planet / KKAT-IPTV Examine the CouryGraph Productions Davey Award.

Ed Sharpe and Cindy Nossek take a moment to pose in front of the Catlin Court Association - Membership is made up of both residences and businesses such as Ed Sharpe's .

...a raffle drawing was held and refreshments were served...

 The Ladies from City Hall!  Drawings! Prizes!

Representatives from city departments were present to provide information and answer questions. There were also informative displays highlighting current and future projects. The evening provided a unique festive one-on-one  chance to meet with people that can answer your questions about  your city!

In addition, representatives from several businesses and non-profit organizations that Glendale partners with on a variety of programs were in attendance. Organizations attending included Glendale Daily Planet/ KKAT-IPTV,  Vanguard CityHome, Historic Catlin Court Neighborhood Association, Habitat for Humanity, Weed and Seed Program, Glendale Chamber of Commerce, Desert Schools Credit Union.

Attendees learned about:

·        fire and police programs

·        recycling and sanitation services

·        the graffiti removal program

·        street lights, bicycle safety and transportation services

Joanne Barker from Economic Development showing prizes and talking with citizens.

Attendees learned about:

·        water conservation rebates

·        neighborhood services and programs

·        property maintenance

·        business-related programs

Attendees learned about:

·        parks, recreation and library programs

·        special events and tourism programs

·        building safety services

·        housing assistance programs

·        Glendale’s Special Bond Election on May 15

Restoring houses, making movies! 
Always something interesting to do in 
The Catlin Court Historic District!

Cheryl owner of 'Comforts of Home' in Catlin Court  Welcomes us to the Catlin Court Association Booth at the Downtown Fair.	Dawn Monahan Catlin Court Assn. President and Cheryl owner of 'Comforts of Home' in Catlin Court	Ed Sharpe and Cindy Nossek take a moment to pose in front of the Catlin Court Association - Membership is made up of both residences and businesses such as Ed Sharpe's .
Tim Quinn proud Catlin Court Home home owner who narrated a Historic Home tour segment  on his house for CouryGraph Productions and  Ed Sharpe  from Glendale Daily Planet / KKAT-IPTV Examine the CouryGraph Productions Davey Award.	David Goulet Ocotillo District Councilperson and Ed Sharpe  from Glendale Daily Planet / KKAT-IPTV Examine the CouryGraph Productions Davey Award.

Ed Sharpe

In winning a Davey, CouryGraph Productions joins the ranks of other high-profile winners of this most sought-after award. "The incredible quality and growth of entries again proves that creative excellence, fresh ideas and great conceptual execution is a hallmark of the best small agencies and firms" noted Linda Day, a director of the IAVA. She added, "On behalf of the entire Academy, we are honored to have judged the 2nd Annual Davey Awards and thrilled to recognize such a diverse and accomplished pool of creative work."

The Davey Awards is judged and overseen by the International Academy of the Visual Arts (IAVA), a 200+ member organization of leading professionals from various disciplines of the visual arts dedicated to embracing progress and the evolving nature of traditional and interactive media.


This award, among the numerous Telly, Aegis, Accolade, Marcom, Berkeley Film festival awards and being an official selection for he New York Independent Film and Video Festival, herald the end of a productive and well recognized year of 2006 for CouryGraph Productions. To see CouryGraph Productions news and video productions visit www.glendaledailyplanet.com.

CATLIN COURT RECEIVED STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS

           

GDP/KKAT-IPTV –Street improvements to the Catlin Court neighborhood residence and business areas should be visible to residents and visitors .

  Sunburst Landscaping, Inc.,  constructed  streetscape improvements, such as the installation of handicap curb cuts, trees and an irrigation system in various rights-of-way within the boundaries of 58^th, 59^th, Myrtle and Gardenia avenues.

Residents of the Catlin Court Historic District Neighborhood Association initiated this project through the Neighborhood Improvement Grants Program.

Construction was carried out on the project in an orderly manner and the merchants were kept informed of any  work, street blockages and other details.

Sources of funding for the project include a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) of nearly $130,000; a Neighborhood Improvement Grant of $45,334; and, $71,000 of Downtown Pedestrian Circulation funds. The improvements  enhance pedestrian safety and visual appeal.

The Community Revitalization Division distributes federal funds that benefit Glendale residents. The city’s Transportation Department oversees the pedestrian funds as part of their multi-modal transportation improvement projects.

The Neighborhood Partnership Office administers a grant program that funds revitalization projects twice a year to assist neighborhoods more than 15 years old. Citizen participation and involvement are key components of the program.

For more information on the Neighborhood Grants Program, call 623-930-2868 or visit the city’s Web site at: http://www.glendaleaz.com/CommunityPartnerships.

The Glendale Police Department

Announces the

2007 VIN Etching Schedule

Auto theft prevention continues in the city of Glendale
with our FREE VIN Etching Program!

Dates:                        March 3^rd

April 28^th

September 15^th

                             November 3^rd

Time:          8:30 am to 11:30 am

Location:      Glendale Adult Center - in the Parking Lot   5970 W. Brown Street

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DETECTIVES ARREST FIVE SUSPECTS IN AUTO THEFT RING

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LINK TO AVI FILE OF GCC TRUCK THEFT

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       Ernesto Lopez Rodriguez                 Juan DeJesus (aka DeDios) Velazquez

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Sandler and Cheadle Reign In New Film

By Jamise Liddell

When considering all of the September 11^th  themed films that have come, gone, and are still coming, none has handled the aftermath quite like Reign Over Me.  Director Mike Binder (The Upside of Anger) who also wrote the story and acted in the film, takes a personal look at how the infamous day in September affected one family while capturing the challenging nuances in the lives of two friends...MORE>

INJURED PETS TO GET SPECIAL

TREATMENT FROM FIREFIGHTERS 

Quick! Quick!  Throw me the FIDO BAG!

 April 11^th, 2007 - Ed Sharpe - Glendale Daily Planet

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L to R: Pam Kavanaugh- Assistant Glendale City Manager and Board Member and  ,  Al Jung-  Board Member, Barry Korb-Board President of  the Sun Valley Animal Shelter and Firefighters,  Johnny Morales, Damion Fiori, Mark Bernal, and Mike Manning.

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Glendale Daily Planet – The next time an injured family cat or dog is rescued from a fire, Glendale Firefighters will be able to provide treatment with a new EMS bag just like their human owners get. 

The “Fido Bag” was unveiled April 11^th, at the Sun Valley Animal Shelter located at 7150 N. 110^th at 10:00AM. The “Fido Bag” contains the necessary medical equipment to provide oxygen, treat burns, and provide treatment for the injured pets.

Elio Pompa, PIO for the Glendale Fire Department explained:  "Each year the Glendale Fire Department responds to house fires where family pets are unable to escape the flames, suffer severe smoke inhalation and burns.  Many pets do not survive these fires". 

Barry Korb,  board president of  the Sun Valley Animal Shelter,  presented a check in the amount of $4,000 to the Glendale Firefighters. These bags will be placed in every Glendale Fire-truck including the Crisis Response Vans.

“Even though our first priority will always be to save human lives, we know that for every 6 out of 10 residential fires we respond to, we  can expect to find a pet or two inside”, said Fire Chief Mark Burdick.  “This Fido Bag is yet another innovative way to increase the level of service to the community, and provides us with a unique way to treat our 4 legged friends” he concluded.    

  -as always when pictures are blue lined- click for larger view..

 L  to R:  1- The "FIDO BAG"          2- Pam Kavanaugh looks on as Elio Pompa explains Oxygen 
mask.  3-  Jake Sgrillo, Jack Martino,  Bella the Fire Dog and Nicole Jelinek.

Sun Valley Animal Shelter WEB SITE

The Sun Valley Animal Shelter is a privately funded shelter and does not receive federal funding.

Visit their resale shop that provides up 30% of our operations budget.

For Glendale Arizona News Stories, Photos and Movies goto:  http://www.glendaledailyplanet.com

NATIONAL TOUR TO STOP IN VALLEY TO 
PROMOTE FIREFIGHTER SAFETY

“WHISTLE STOP TOUR ARRIVES APRIL 10^TH “  

Ed Sharpe -  Glendale Daily Planet / KKAT-IPTV

.  – Arizona Firefighters  hosted the Whistle-Stop Tour “Everyone Goes Home™” training sponsored by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.  

(Left-  Practice and set-up early in the morning before the bus arrived. Middle - Captain Alex Morales- Glendale Fire Department, Right - Ed Sharpe Glendale Daily Planet and Captain Alex Morales in  the 'Bucket') 

On April 10^th, the tour bus carrying local elected officials, Fire Chiefs and Firefighters left Fire Station 157 located at 9650 N. 59^th Avenue in Glendale at 9:35 a.m. and arrived at the Glendale Civic Center located at 5750 W. Glenn at 9:45 a.m. The Phoenix area stop is the 4^th on the National Tour.  

Each year, more than 100 firefighters die in the line of duty each year.  The goal of this tour is to promote National efforts to reduce this alarming number of deaths by 50% over a 10-year period. Click on this photo and see some of the  many names that cover the surface of this bus in tribute   

Many  Metro Phoenix area media attended and interviewed a cross-section of attendees.. Here we see John Brickston -Glendale 11  Interviewing  Mark Brudick, Glendale Fire Chief. Michelle Harvey  from Glendale 11 is the videographer.

Fire Department Color Guards and Drum and Pipe Corps were in attendance for this event.

Survivor stories are highlighted in this tour such as, those left behind by a fallen firefighter. Retired NYFD firefighter Vinny Brennan  spoke about the loss of his brother, Peter Brennan, also a NYFD firefighter who died in the line of duty.  

Glendale Councilpersons' Manny Martinez, Yvonne Knaack and David Goulet we among the many officials from  the Arizona cities in attendance.

An afternoon session for firefighters called “The Courage to be Safe and Taking Care of Our Own” that will presented from 1:00p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

 A valley wide Fire Department escort accompanied the Tour Bus as it headed south towards the next stop, Dallas Texas. This “safety escort” will involve more than 35 agencies across the State of Arizona

This tour is made possible through a grant by the Dunkin’ Brands Community Foundation and the Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives Program, funded by grants from the Department of Homeland Security and the generosity of Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company.

 Congress created the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to lead a nationwide effort to honor America's fallen firefighters. Since 1992, the non-profit Foundation has developed and expanded programs that fulfill that mandate. Our mission is to honor and remember America's fallen fire heroes and to provide resources to assist their survivors in rebuilding their lives.

Lynette Jelinek, Wayne Smith, and Chaplain  Raul Ochoa

Presentation inside Civic Center - PIO Eilo Pompa and  Chief Mark Burdick Glendale Fire Department- Bagpipe Players.

Coke's  New Distribution Facility Pours
 130 New Jobs Into Glendale Arizona

  Story and Photos C- 2007 Ed Sharpe Glendale Daily Planet

Coca-Cola Enterprises Bottling Company of Arizona celebrated the grand opening of its new Distribution Center in Glendale with a ribbon cutting ceremony on 10 AM April 4th, 2007.  Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs, Representative Jerry P. Weiers and other municipal dignitaries, citizens and  Coca-Cola employees were in attendance this morning..

The new 120,000 square foot facility sits on over 13 acres of land and will employ approximately 130 individuals once it is fully staffed. The Distribution Center will serve the West Valley including everything west of the I-17 and north of the I-10. The primary reason this distribution center was built was due to the tremendous growth in the Valley, specifically the West Valley. The Tempe Coca-Cola manufacturing, bottling and distribution facility is land locked and thus cannot physically expand further. For some time now, the Tempe location has been operating at 150% capacity to keep up with the growth and needs in Arizona. The Glendale facility is one of only a few ‘Distribution Centers’ opening at this time throughout the Coca-Cola Enterprises (CCE) system. All other facilities that are currently being rolled out within the CCE system include other facets (sales, production, merchandising and etc). Distribution Centers such as Glendale’s will be more efficient due to being able to focus exclusively on lean distribution techniques. Coca-Cola is creating a 24-7 operation that includes a collaborative, innovative, team based work environment for improved morale, lower turnover, and continuous improvement. 

“We are very excited to be able to expand our operations into an area of the state that is presently seeing so much growth. Coca-Cola’s new distribution center will feel right at home in Glendale where various other customer/clients of ours reside including the University of Phoenix Stadium - Arizona Cardinals and The Phoenix Coyotes”, stated Tammy Lambros, Coca-Cola Arizona Vice President.

Ribbon cutting photo - Left to Right

The Coca-Cola Bear,  Representative Jerry P. Weiers, Yucca District Councilperson Joyce Clark,  Arizona Coca-Cola Vice President Tammy Lambros, Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs and Glendale Distribution Center Manager Jeff Monaghan.

Representative Jerry P. Weiers is claimed to have the largest antique Coca-Cola collection in the state of Arizona.

This terra - cotta / candy-cane-striped Coca-Cola Distribution Facility of Glendale sits on 13 acres at Glen Harbor Business Park, near Glendale Avenue and Loop 101 and north of Glendale Municipal Airport. It opens at a time when Coca-Cola's manufacturing, bottling and distribution center in Tempe is overworked and struggles to keep up with the Valley's growth.

Address - 7845 N. 106th Avenue, Glendale, Arizona 85037

The Glendale center will serve all West Valley businesses north of Interstate 10 and west of Interstate 17. It's only a couple of miles from University of Phoenix Stadium Westgate and Jobing.com Arena.

"...our top priority is to bring quality jobs to the City of Glendale..." - Mayor Elaine Scruggs

Ribbon cutting photo - Left to Right  (Click on it... it gets large)

The Coca-Cola Bear,  Representative Jerry P. Weiers, Yucca District Councilperson Joyce Clark,  Arizona Coca-Cola Vice President Tammy Lambros, Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs and Glendale Distribution Center Manager Jeff Monaghan.  

Children help rescue newborn kitten

Elizabeth Jackman -Glendale Star

A kitten trapped inside a drainage grate became a celebrity Friday morning as television crews captured his dramatic rescue on tape.

Children playing outside Challenger Charter School thought they heard a faint ‘meow’ coming from underneath the grate and told their teachers who called the Glendale Fire Department.

Firefighters arrived at the scene and quickly assessed the situation.

“We used a thermal imaging camera we use to pick up body heat so we were able to tell the little kitten was alive,” 159 Engine Capt. Joe Spitler said. “Also we saw some motion.”

Firefighters Kari Lajoie and John Burch quickly went to work to free the tiny gray kitten and the children anxiously looked on.

“We used a car wire that is usually used for kids locked in a vehicle,” Lajoie said.

After retrieving the kitten, who appeared to be less than a week old, Lajoie and Burch administered oxygen and used a saline solution to clean one of its eyes that appeared a bit infected.

Children swarmed around to pet the little gray bundle of fur they quickly named “Smokey.”

Lajoie said they would be taking Smokey to the veterinarian to be checked over and from there a decision would be made about finding him a home.

Fire Department spokesperson Daniel Valenzuela said it was a real “feel good” opportunity for the firefighters because so many of their calls, traffic accidents, fires and drownings end in tragedy.

“This opportunity showed the children a good outcome,” Valenzuela said. “Also, that we care about animals.”

Firefighter Kari Lajoie, Smokey and students.

Click for larger view!  - Cute!

C- 2007 Glendale Star -  Story and Photos Courtesy  Glendale Star

Construction in The Downtown "CORE"

Palm Trees from Grand Avenue on the way to the dump They were processed in  the  open lot that was part of the  old southern Baptist church building.		The covered parking  is removed in preparation for building the new parking garage behind the B of A building.

Where is my parking?  Please observe the 2 hour parking limits in the area while the parking garage is under construction.

Director/Productor Luis Valdez and Councilmember Manny Martenez

Ed Sharpe and Luis Valdez
KKAT-IPTV / Glendale Daily Planet

The Plaque read:

Presented to John C. Lincoln 
From Glendale Fire Department.

John C. Lincoln Hospital

In grateful recognition of your exceptional
service and total commitment to the 
treatment of patients in your care.

Presented on behalf of the family of Laura Graff

Glendale Fire Department

March 15, 2007

Linda Worthy Trauma Services, Laura Graff the survivor!, ER nurse Jim Yates,  Dr Salvino, Trauma Services, Chief Mark Burdick Glendale Fire Department and  Chuck Montgomery EMS  (Now Deputy Chief )

Laura Graff and  ER nurse Jim Yates who received her at John C. Lincoln Hospital.

Press Kit For the Movie Click here  

 Click forPhoenix Lights Website

CLICK HERE TO 
WATCH THE MOVIE

www.glendaledailyplanet.com/media/Barnett police motorcycle-3.wmv

18:58:47.90  

8:58:49.40 Impact

18:59:23.94 Vehicle left  and motorcycle right

18:59:33.45  Vehicle  takes off....

18:59:34.95 finally gone the  remaining light is the motorcycle with the headlight still shining....

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In Order Of Appearance...

MC - Julie Watters, City of Glendale

Welcome - Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs

Remarks - Glendale City Manager Ed Beasley

Traffic - Jamsheed Mehta, Glendale Transportation Director

Security - Chief Steve Conrad, Glendale Police Department

Fire/Medical - Chief Mark Burdick, Glendale Fire Department

Neighborhoods - Erik Strunk, Glendale Community Partnerships Director 

SEE MORE STORY - WATCH THE MOVIE!