VOL 4 NO. 4 SEPTEMBER 2 0 0 4

The Road

Building a City Beyondto Riches Expectations CITY COUNCIL 623.583.5899 Joan Shafer, Mayor Thomas Allen Danny Arismendez Dave Reuter Martha Bails Cliff Elkins Three months after Surprise11 began Joe Johnson offering live and videotape-delay coverage Gary “Doc” Sullivan of City Council meetings, the City’s gov- Communicationsernment access TV station Directoris preparing to expand its programming. CITY MANAGER Beginning Oct. 5, Surprise11 will broadcast the City’s us 623.583.1080 Planning and Zoning Commission meetings. The Commission Jim Rumpeltes meetings will air live at 6 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. Commission meetings will also be aired on PLANNING & ZONING a tape-delayed basis for residents who are unable to view the COMMISSION meetings live. 623.583.1088 Surprise11 is a division of the City’s Communications Ken Senft, Chairman Department. Residents who subscribe to Cox Communications Janelle Blair cable TV services are able to view Surprise11 programming. Bob Gonzales Surprise11 airs a variety of programming in addition to meetings Daniel Morris of the Surprise City Council and the Surprise Planning and Zoning Commission. Schedule information is available on the City’s website, Randy Nachtigall surpriseaz.com, or by calling Surprise11 studios at 623.583.4840. Antonio Segarra Another addition to the City’s fall broadcast schedule will be the live cov- contact Skip Hall erage of City Council Work Sessions. The work sessions, which are usually conducted prior to regularly scheduled Council meetings, cover a variety of topics important to the Council. Agenda information and a schedule of Work Sessions are also available on the City’s website. WINNER! The City welcomes your interest and support of Surprise11. The station 3CMA Silver Circle is always interested in suggestions and comments about how it can better Award, 2004 serve residents. Please do not hesitate to call the station during normal business hours. 3CMA Silver Circle Award, 2003 3CMA Award of Excellence, 2002

Surprise Progress is published by the City of Surprise Communications Department and distributed 4 10 to all City residents via Paving the way for growth. Putting the brakes on Bell Road. mail. We hope you like our Some say Surprise’s economic future From Bridge repairs to rising accident format and content. We’d hinges on expansion of Loop 303 rates, there are plenty of reasons to slow from a two-lane road to six-lane free- down on Bell Road. like to hear from you about way with two additional HOV lanes. Surprise Progress. Please call or e-mail us.

CITY OF SURPRISE Communications Department T: 623.583.4840 Dave Reuter 4 12 Communications Director Poking fun at pesky rumors. Planning to save lives. E: [email protected] The talk about a Six Flags in Surprise is The Fire Department is on a mission to simply amusing. make Surprise a “heart-friendly” City by placing AED units in all City-owned Cover Photo: Justin Warner, buildings and training employees to member of the Surprise use them. Economic Development Advisory Board. There won’t be any early voting CITY COUNCIL conducted at Surprise City Hall during this 7 p.m. Sept. 23, Oct. 14, year’s general elections but, starting Oct. Oct. 28, Nov. 10 5, Surprise voters can cast a ballot from City Hall, 12425 W. Bell Road Gilbert, Avondale and eight other satellite Info: 623.583.1098 polling locations across the Valley.

City Clerk Sherry Aguilar explained that PLANNING & ZONING the City of Surprise is consolidating with COMMISSION the County elections scheduled Nov. 2. 6 p.m. on the first and third “We have to use their existing polling Tuesdays of the month locations which were pre-cleared by the City Hall Council Chambers Department of Justice months ago,” she 12425 W. Bell Road said. The upside is that voters can take 623.875.4332 advantage of the satellite locations but for early voting only. ARTS & CULTURAL ADVISORY BOARD Three of the satellite polling locations open 623.583.5899 Sept. 30 for early voting in the general election; the remainder on Oct. 5. All of ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT the locations will close on Oct. 29. All of ADVISORY BOARD the locations are open between 9 a.m. and 623.875.4273 4 p.m. and some have extended or some Saturday hours. FINANCE COMMITTEE november 2 tuesday vote 623.875.4258 THE FIRST THREE SATELLITE LOCATIONS TO OPEN ARE: PARKS AND RECREATION Maricopa County Elections Department Administration ADVISORY BOARD 111 S. Third Ave. in Phoenix PARKS AND RECREATION YOUTH ADVISORY BOARD Maricopa County Elections Department 623.266.4500 510 S. Third Ave. in Phoenix See page 14 SURPRISE REVITALIZATION Maricopa County Recorder’s Office for ADVISORY BOARD 222 E. Javelina Ave. in Mesa Surprise 623.815.5495 election results! The remainder include: TRANSPORTATION Avondale City Hall COMMITTEE 11465 W. Civic Center Drive, Suite 200 623.875.4246 10 Gilbert Town Hall SPECIAL NEEDS 50 E. Civic Center Drive COMMISSION 623.583.5899 Peoria City Hall 8401 W. Monroe St. P.O.R.A. 13815 Camino Del Sol in Sun City West Kids voting South Mountain Community Center 212 E. Alta Vista Road in Phoenix on-line starts Tempe Public Library Sept. 30 at 3500 W. Rural Road kidsvotingaz.org

12 schedule Via Linda Senior Center, 10440 E. Via Linda in Scottsdale

The City of Surprise will have 15 polling locations open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Nov. 2. For a list of polling locations and for other election news, visit the City’s website, surpriseaz.com, and look under City Clerk’s Department, or call 623.583.1098.To request a ballot on-line or find out your polling location, call the Maricopa County Elections Department at 602.506.1511.

| 3 meeting supriseaz.com have you heard? The road to SIX FLAGS IS COMING TO SURPRISE SURPRISE’S So has Phil Testa, direc- economic future tor of Surprise’s Community and Economic Development Department. And if Testa had may need a few more lanes. a dollar for every time he’s heard that…well, he wouldn’t In June, plans for a 4,200- acre development called Cactus need this job. Lane Ranch were presented to the “THERE’S ABSOLUTELY Surprise City Council. The mas- NO TRUTH TO THE RUMOR,” ter-planned development between he said. “I don’t see a big Peoria Avenue and Greenway Road includes low to medium density amusement park coming to homes built around a system of Surprise.” Testa said the Six lakes and interconnected trails, Now open: Loop 303 between 99th and Grand avenues. Flags story surfaced more but the featured attraction is the mixed-use portion that straddles Loop 303. That’s where an upscale regional mall, than 10 years ago when he power center and an auto complex are slated to go - provided the 303 goes from a was working as Director of two-lane rural road to a six-lane freeway, a general plan amendment is approved and Planning for the east valley the area is annexed into the City. The general plan amendment should come before the City Council in December city of Chandler. “Only then – if approved, annexation would follow. That leaves the final hurdle, the Loop 303 it was coming to Chandler expansion. “Obviously the 303 is a vital part of our project and anchor users of a or Gilbert.” regional mall are counting on the 303 coming to fruition. One of the primary Debbie Nauser, vice presi- criteria for the anchor tenants is the proximity of the 303 freeway,” said Scottsdale zoning attorney Paul Gilbert, who represents a group of investors including Westcor, dent of public relations for developers of Scottsdale Fashion Square, Arrowhead Towne Center and nearly every Six Flags, declined to com- Valley mall. “ ment on the rumor. “But I “Why would they put a mall on a two-lane road?” asked Justin Warner, an invest- ment counselor and member of the Surprise Economic Development Advisory Board can tell you this,” she said, who is pushing for passage of Proposition 400, a measure on the November ballot. “We’ve only built one park “Development will jump over us if we don’t have a clear transportation system. A lot from scratch and that was of our east/west corridors are shut down by pre-existing developments, and Avondale in Madrid, Spain three years and Goodyear have those corridors.” Phil Testa, Surprise’s Community and Economic Development director, agrees. ago. We buy existing parks “303 is critical for that mall to be successful because it creates the accessibility. and turn them into Six If we don’t get the 303 widened, I think Cactus Lane Ranch will still happen, but Flags parks.” projects like the regional mall, power center and perhaps the movie theaters may be delayed or moved to other locations.” If it’s any consolation, Proposition 400 would extend a half-cent transportation sales tax for another 20 98 percent of the United years to pay for a $15.8 billion regional transportation plan that includes freeway States lives within an eight- construction and expansion, improved arterial streets, expansion of the regional bus hour drive of a Six Flags. system and, for Phoenix, light-rail. In the West Valley, it would mean completion of Loop 303 as a freeway from Southern Avenue to Interstate 17, improvements to Surprise residents are only Grand Avenue, improvements to make Northern Avenue an east/west arterial from 401 miles, or six hours and Loop 303 to Grand Avenue, and new or enhanced bus service along segments of Bell 10 minutes, away from two Road, Grand Avenue, Dysart Road, Litchfield Road and Waddell/Thunderbird Road. A three-year, $25 million improvement plan for Bell Road starts in September Six Flags parks in Valencia, with refurbishing of the Friendship Bridge and, although plans include computerized Calif: Magic Mountain and timing of signal lights to increase traffic flow, there’s no room for additional lanes on Hurricane Harbor. Surprise’s main east/west arterial. In the meantime, single-family permits issued in July hit an all-time high and dropped slightly in August, putting Surprise on track to gain nearly 8,000 new homes 4 |

supriseaz.com ATTRACTING A BIG SCREEN TO ? SURPRISE IS APPARENTLY NO SMALL TASK.

While residents have been clamor- Justin Warner, Surprise resident and businessman, ing for movie theaters for the past wants the State to get moving on widening Loop 303 five years, Surprise’s Community and before economic development opportunities head south. Economic Development Director Phil Testa doesn’t expect a showing any- time soon.: “In two to three years, this fiscal year – about 2,000 more than expected – or though, I think we’ll ALL be going to about 61 people per day. Home sales will begin this the movie theater in Surprise.” fall at Marley Park, a 956-acre housing development bounded by Waddell As much as they’d like to, City and Cactus roads, Bullard Avenue and Reems Road. Unlike any in Surprise, it will feature 16 miles of walking trails, 140 acres of open space including leaders can’t make a movie theater nine parks – one with an amphitheater, water play area and sports fields appear in Surprise. “Even if we offer – front porches and tree-lined streets. The homes will be varied, reflecting incentives, in the end it’s about get- Arizona’s historic architectural styles from Bungalow to Territorial Ranch, ting people into the seats, and incen- and the first 650 will range in size from 1,500 to 4,500-square-feet. appearing Testa is hoping voters will approve a Maricopa County Community tives won’t do that,” Testa said. College bond issue in November giving Surprise a good chance of landing Market area and population are its own college campus, but again, completion of the 303 may be a driving factor. the tickets. “Typically, they like to The City conducted an educational survey with Estrella Mountain see 70 or 80,000 in the market, Community College late last year and, as a result, they began offering and we’re almost there,” Testa said. classes at Willow Canyon High School. If approved, the $951 million bond would mean And, commercial sites are just now Rio Salado’s Lifelong Learning opening up on the south side of Bell

Center (located behind Luby’s) now Road. “Most of our development would double its space, and money would be available to has been north of Bell Road, so acquire 80 acres for a cam- the market area has been skewed. pus, possibly in Surprise. “I As the market grows to the south, think having higher education ? in the community enhances they’ll want to be centrally located chances of attracting business- in one of those spots,” he said. “I es to the area, and it’s part of think movie theater companies are the City Council’s adopted economic development looking at different sites and wait- strategy,” said Testa, who ing to see which comes about first spent more than 10 years and which will give them the greatest working for the City of Chandler at the begin- success.” ning of its high-growth Until recently, there were only two period. major players in the metropolitan “One way or anoth- er, we’ve got to get the Phoenix area: AMC and Harkins. 303 completed,” said “If they decide they don’t want to Warner, a father of three do anything, it’s a hard row to go,” who moved to Surprise five years ago to open Testa explained. “But now, operators an office in Sun City out of California are starting to look Grand. “Surprise is dead at the market, so that might stimu- in the water without it. We can’t survive with- late something.” out it, economically.”

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supriseaz.com upcoming events

SURPRISE POLICE DEPARTMENT'S G.A.I.N. NIGHT NORTHWESTNORTHWEST VVALLEYALLEY At this year’s annual G.A.I.N. (Getting Arizona Involved in HOME & GARDEN EXPO MoreMore than 190 businesses Neighborhoods) night, officers will be launching a new will showcase their latest statewide program, Red Badge. A red badge sticker affixed productsproducts and serservices.vices. to a car window alerts emergency personnel to look in the glove compartment for a red envelope containing medical and Time:Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 16; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. contact information. Other activities include free fingerprinting Oct. 17 of children, etching of Vehicle Identification Numbers on car windows, safe Trick-or-Treating, games, inflatable jump houses, Location: Surprise Stadium, demonstrations by the Surprise Police K-9 and Tactical Unit, 15850 N. BullarBullardd AAve.ve. information and much more. SMALL BUSINESS SEMINAR Time: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Oct. 30 Chuck Fitzgerald of BackCountryToys.com talks about “Marketing Your Business on the Internet.” This one-hour Location: Surprise Recreation Campus, 15831 N. Bullard Ave. meeting is open to ALL Surprise business owners. $10 fee Info: 623.583.1085 ext. 5649 includes continental breakfast and handouts. Registration is required as space is limited. Time: 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. Oct. 20 BABY SHOTS Location: Northwest Valley Chamber of Commerce Immunizations offered by 12801 W. Bell Road Surprise Firefighters Info: 623.583.0692 Time: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Oct. 9 and Dec. 11 PERFORMANCE IN THE PARK Location: 15832 N. A family-oriented event featuring Arizona talent of all varieties. Hollyhock St. (in the Senior Bring blankets, pillows and lawn chairs. Admission is free. Center) Nov. 6 The Chadwicks Info: 623.583.8225 or sur- Nov. 20 Dennis Rowland & Friends priseaz.com (look under Fire Time: 5 – 8 p.m. Department) Location: Grass field north of Surprise Stadium, 15850 N. Bullard Ave. Info: 623.266.4500 MOVIE NIGHT @ THE BALLPARK Take a seat in the stands, or bring pillows and blankets to stretch out on the Stadium grass. Admission is free. HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY Safely dispose of chemicals, tires, batteries, paint, pool sup- Oct. 2 Scooby Doo 2 plies and propane tanks. Free to Surprise residents; bring Oct. 23 Agent Cody Banks 2 proof of residency Time: Dusk (approx. 6:15 – 6:30 p.m.) Time: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Nov. 20 Location: Surprise Aquatic Center parking lot, Location: Surprise Stadium, 15850 N. Bullard Ave. 15831 N. Bullard Ave. Info: 623.266.4500 Info: 623.583.0947

SURPRISE FIRE PREVENTION DAY SURPRISE PARTY Station tours, equipment displays and Surprise’s “signature event” features two days of live enter- plenty of information will be available at tainment, a carnival, games, hayrides, Northwest Valley the Surprise Fire Department’s annual Fire Chamber of Commerce Art Festival, sports tournaments, holi- day lights, fireworks, visits from Santa Claus and much more. Prevention Day. Time: Dec. 3-4 Time: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 9 Location: Surprise Recreation Campus, Location: Fire Station 303, 15850 N. Bullard Ave. 15440 N. Cotton Lane Info: 623.266.4500

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supriseaz.com WEST VALLEY ART MUSEUM

AN AFFILIATE OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, THE MUSEUM FEATURES FIVE EXHIBITION GALLERIES, STORE, CLASSIC CAFE, AND REGULARLY SCHEDULED EDUCATION PROGRAMS

17420 N. Avenue of the Arts 623.972.0635 or www.wvam.org

HOURS: 10 AM TO 4 PM TUESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY ADMISSION FOR NON-MEMBERS: $7 ADULTS, $2 STUDENTS, ALGONQUIN THEATER AND WEST EXHIBITIONS FROM THE JANSEN COLLECTION - AGES 5 AND UNDER ARE FREE VALLEY ART MUSEUM PRESENT: THE SCULPTURES OF BERACOL, THE PAINTINGS OF GILLET Through October 12 Bronze sculptures that mimic three- Museum Members $18 dimensional puzzles combined with Non-Members $20 expressive, heavily painted works on every tuesday at 4 pm Performance times: board and canvas are a fascinating exhibition from one of the Southwest’s museum members free; non-members $7 8 PM: premiere collectors. except where noted. "Art:"SEPTEMBER a comedy24, 25 Call or visit web site for details. OCTOBER 1, 2 ALLEN DUTTON: STRANGE BUT TRUE Through October 17 Artful Afternoons 2 PM A photography exhibit based on his book, SEPTEMBER 26 “Arizona Then and Now.” OCTOBER 3 FAMOUS FLAMES: PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HENDRICKSON Sept. 17 - Oct. 31 Stunning photos of actual flames highly magnified into three-dimensional 7 pm abstractions. Surprise residents and museum members free; others $7 TREASURED LEATHER: BOB BROWN, THE at the door MAN WHO DRESSED THE OLD WEST Sept. 24 - Nov. 14 Surprise Serenades Brown, 94, created leather saddles and SEPT. 23 - BARRIO LATINO chaps for Hollywood legends Tom Mix, Traditional and contemporary Latin John Wayne, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. crossover music; a powerhouse of rhythmic sounds from Salsa to WOOD FROM THE HOOD: ARIZONA WOOD Funk. ARTISTS Oct. 22 - Jan. 15 OCT. 21 - CROTTY & O'NEILL Wood-turned bowls, sculptures and wall SEXTET reliefs from Arizona artists. An exciting array of swing, Latin, ballads and jazz with expressive PAINTINGS BY MARION PIKE vocals and instrumentals. Oct. 29 - Jan. 9 Astonishing portraits of famous friends and acquaintances from Pike’s colorful life, along with her landscape paintings.

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supriseaz.com CITY OFFICES CLOSE FOR HOLIDAYS CITY OFFERS CITIZENS ACADEMY City Hall will be closed on Monday, Oct. 11 in Surprise residents interested in learning more observance of Columbus Day, and Monday and about local government are invited to attend the Tuesday trash collections will be delayed one day. six-week Surprise Citizens Academy held on City Hall will also be closed on Thursday, Nov. Tuesday evenings starting Oct. 5. Classes will be 11 in observance of Veteran’s Day. Recyclables held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Willow Canyon normally collected on Thursday will be picked High School. up one day early. Friday’s collection will remain on schedule. The Academy is designed to provide residents Info: 623.583.0947 with the information, resources, and tools they need to become knowledgeable community I.T. RECEIVES WORLD-CLASS HONOR members and effective neighborhood leaders. The City’s Information Technology Department Cost is $50 and limited to the first 30 to sign-up. was one of five recipients in the world honored Applicants must be 18 or older. by NEC Unified Solutions, a Japan-based Info: 623.935.8889. communications corporation. IT Director Randy Jackson and his team earned the award for SURPRISE HIRES their program integrating voice and data in City PUBLIC WORKS MANAGER offices. Jackson was the keynote speaker at the Jim Nichols, the Public Works NEC conference held in July in Dana Point, Director and City Engineer Calif. for Chehalis, WA since 1999, started work July 30 as Surprise’s Public Works Director.

Nichols, who holds a FIRE DEPARTMENT WARNS PARENTS bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from The Surprise Fire Department is warning Northeastern University in Boston, MA and a families with children in car seats to be aware master’s degree in environmental engineering of a potential problem at car washes. Fire from the University of Connecticut, was chosen Departments Valley-wide have received reports from a field of 26 applicants to oversee Surprise’s that car wash personnel are disconnecting car 53-member staff in streets, sanitation, building, seats to vacuum behind them, then are leaving parks and vehicle maintenance. His annual salary the seats uninstalled or are reinstalling them is $89,000. without being certified to do so. SAFETY DAY TARGETS SENIOR ADULTS Parents should take the following steps to Some homeowners in Rose Garden, Sunflower, ensure the child’s safety while attending a car Sun Village, Happy Trails, Section 10, or the wash: Original Townsite will have free home safety • Inform car wash personnel NOT to devices installed Sept. 25 as part of the second disconnect the car seat. annual Senior Safety Day. • Watch to make sure the car seat is not taken out or moved. Volunteers will install safety devices such as • Check the car seat to make sure it has not smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, non-skid been tampered with. material, nightlights, flashlights and power strips. • If personnel tamper with the car seat, contact The half-day event, sponsored by Surprise’s the facility manager. Car washes may be held Community Initiatives and Fire departments, liable in the event of an accident. and Lowe’s Home Improvement Center is aimed at making homes safer for Surprise’s senior adult If parents want the seat vacuumed, the parents population. Info: 623.815.5495. must remove the car seat and reinstall it. Info: 623.875.4319.

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supriseaz.com NEW DEVELOPMENT FEES Surprise is collecting an extra $1,424 per new home* since the City’s new development fee schedule went into effect Aug. 27. The fees help to pay for additional capital costs such as public safety buildings and equipment, water and sewer lines, libraries, parks, vehicles, City Hall expansion and more.

“The idea is that growth pays for itself,” said LaTonya Finch, Community Development services manager. “Growth is spurring an increased need for public services and we’ve been growing so rapidly we outgrew the fees.” The new fee schedule, approved by the City Council City employees appearing in the “Buy in Surprise” in July, puts Surprise near the mid-point of fees campaign are, from left, Shannon Meece of the charged by other cities in the area. Community and Recreation Services Department, James Popoff of Public Works, Brenden Espie of Surprise’s fiscal year 2004-05 budget is based on 6,000 new home starts. That translates to Fire and Marci Darrow of Police. $8.5 million on new home* fees alone. New commercial businesses pay development fees, BUY IN SURPRISE AND WIN PRIZES as well. If you shop in Surprise between Nov. 1 and Dec. *based on a home using a 3/4-inch water meter 31, save your receipts! They could be worth valuable prizes, or dinner and ride-along with FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR HOME REHAB Surprise firefighters or police. The Economic Grants and forgivable loans are available through Development Department is encouraging Surprise’s Neighborhood Services Division for residents to “Buy in Surprise” this holiday season major rehabilitation, minor rehabilitation and to support local retailers and City services. Sales beautification assistance for income-eligible, tax dollars help to pay for many City services. owner-occupied homes. Eligible projects include heating, cooling, electrical, plumbing, roofing, YOUTH SPORTS OFFICIALS NEEDED painting, and much more. AZ Officiating Association is looking for Info: 623.815.5495. individuals interested in officiating youth basketball, flag football, soccer, softball and SPECIAL NEEDS COMMISSION ACTIVE volleyball. The non-profit group supplies Seven Surprise residents were recently appointed officials to Surprise’s youth sports program. to the Special Needs Commission, a newly Info: 623.377.5462 or [email protected] formed group aimed at addressing the needs of the disabled and ensuring the City is in WEST NILE VIRUS UPDATE compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Surprise is continuing to urge residents to Act (ADA). take precautions to protect themselves and the community against West Nile Virus. West Nile In order to stagger terms, Gail Wallace, Ted Carr, Virus is a potentially serious illness in humans Jim Olmstead and Barbara Porter were appointed and horses, mostly transmitted by the bite of an to four-year terms. John Longabaugh, Arthur infected mosquito. Odom and Johanna Mullins were appointed to two-year terms. All efforts to stop the spread of West Nile Info: 623.583.5899 Virus are being coordinated by Maricopa County health, environmental services, and BOOKLET STRESSES STORM SAFETY vector control. “Arizona Monsoon,” a new booklet produced by Info: www.maricopa.gov/wnv or 602.506.0700. Surprise’s Communications Department is aimed at informing residents how to keep safe during a monsoon storm or rolling blackout.

The eight-page booklet is available free-of-charge at City Hall. Info: 623.583.4840

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supriseaz.com

CAUTION: bridge repairs ahead

DRIVERS WHO NORMALLY TRAVEL ON BELL ROAD AT NIGHT may want to find a different route for a couple of weeks. From Sept. 27 through Oct. 13, traffic on the Friendship Bridge will be restricted to one lane each direction from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. while workers replace the expansion joints. Traffic will NOT be restricted during weekdays, however, traffic will be reduced to one lane each direction from Friday night until Monday morning. The six-lane Friendship Bridge spans the usually dry Aqua Fria riverbed between El Mirage Road and Coyote Lakes Parkway. “We are asking people to alter travel patterns for those two weeks. Even though we planned the work to occur at night and on weekends, we know that some inconvenience will be experienced,” said City Engineer Robert Maki. “People have got to try to avoid that area or plan on delays.” The $300,000 project is part of periodic maintenance of the bridge and the first of 25 projects planned for Bell Road in the next three years. Alternative routes are U.S. 60 (Grand Avenue) to the south, or Loop 303 off Grand Avenue to the north. Loop 303 eastbound connects to Happy Valley Road. At the intersection of Happy Valley Road and Lake Pleasant Road (99th Avenue), motorists can turn south to head back into the City or head north to Carefree Highway for a connection to Interstate 17.

Slow down, drive safely on Bell Road If the first half of 2004 is any indication, Surprise will tally twice as many vehicle accidents this year as it did in 2003. There were 380 accidents in Surprise in 2003 with nearly 200 of them occurring on Bell Road; 83 of them resulted in serious injuries. The two main causes were driver inattention and failure to obey traffic control devices.

By the end of June, Surprise Police documented 379 accidents, with nine of the top 10 hot spots being intersections on Bell Road. At 17, the intersection of Bell and El Mirage roads was the most common accident site during the first six months of 2004. There were 13 at the intersection of Bell Road and R.H. Johnson boulevard; 11 at Bell Road and Avenue of the Arts; 10 each at Bell Road and Coyote Lakes Parkway, 134th Avenue and Litchfield Road; seven at Bell Road and Loop 303; and five at Bell Road and Parkview Place.

“Sheer traffic volumes make Bell Road the most dangerous to drive,” said Chief Dan Hughes. “We’re asking residents to slow down, stop on yellow whenever possible, leave a little extra room between cars and, in general, be more vigilant when driving on Bell Road. It’s not worth risking injury, or even death, to save a few extra minutes.”

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supriseaz.com SURPRISE NORTHWEST REGIONAL LIBRARY

16089 N. Bullard Avenue HOURS: 623.544.6371 9 AM TO 9 PM MONDAY-THURSDAY children 9 AM TO 5 PM FRIDAY-SATURDAY 1-5 PM SUNDAY AFTERNOON WITH AN ARTIST Learn about the life and works of some of the world’s greatest artists, and use their styles to create some “art” adults of your own. 3:45 p.m. Oct. 4, 18, 25, grades K-4 MUSIC IN THE LIBRARY SERIES Sinatra: A Man and his Music 10 a.m. Sept. 25 DESERT TALES Tom Morelli, Sinatra Aficionado, presents an entertaining and Learn about desert plants and animals through modern fables educational program on Francis Albert Sinatra, “The Greatest told by local author and storyteller, Ann McDermott. Entertainer of the Twentieth Century.” Learn about Sinatra’s life 1 p.m. Oct. 2, ages 5 and up and career, listen to his music - even perform a little karaoke! Come have some fun with us and kick off Northwest Regional Library’s Music in the Library series. PUPPET CELEBRATION The Three Billy Goats Gruff 11 a.m. Nov. 4 Alicia de Mesa, Harpist 2 p.m. Oct. 16 Connie Galeener presents this classic fairytale about the Elmer Faser, Accordionist 10 a.m. Oct. 30 three clever billy goats who outwit the big, ugly troll who lives Ensemble Indigo 2 p.m. Nov. 13 under the bridge. Oceans Apart, Celtic Music 2 p.m. Dec. 11 White Nineteens 11 a.m. Nov. 18 The Maricopa County Library District Puppeteers present LOCAL AUTHOR EXTRAVAGANZA the tale of Buttercup, who goes in search of a missing pair of wings. Discussions and book signings with local authors: Eileen Birin Oct. 7 Open to all ages. No registration needed. Co-sponsored by Surprise Community & Recreation Services Ralph Daniel Oct. 14 Patti Warren Oct. 21 Mike Basford Oct. 28 teens 1 p.m. every Thursday in October COLLEGE PREP STRESS RELIEF SCRAPBOOKING WORKSHOP A writing program for college-bound teens, part one covers Bring photos, supplies and scrapbooks and we’ll provide the the thesis statement, the logical organization and tips on research. Part two covers how to turn that research into a space and snacks. Registration begins Oct. 8. written paper. Snacks will be provided. 6-8:30 p.m. Oct. 25 4:30-5:30 p.m. Oct. 6 and 13

PIZZA AND BOOKS Oct. 4 - Join us for dinner and discussion of Laurie Halse Anderson’s books in prpreparationeparation for her upcoming visit! Please rreadead at least one of her novels beforbeforee the meeting: Speak, Fever 1793, or Catalyst. NovNov.. 29 - Join us for dinner and discussion of the first or threethree Lemony Snicket books in prpreparationeparation for the Dec. 17 film rrelease!elease! Please rreadead one or all of the following beforbeforee the trick treat meeting: The Bad Beginning, The Reptile Room or The WWideide Window.Window. YOUR LIBRARY @ 5-6 p.m., age 11 and up. Registration needed.

1-5 p.m. Oct. 31 MEET THE AAWARD-WINNINGWARD-WINNING AUTHOR OF SPEAK Laurie Halse Anderson will be herheree to talk, sign autographs Wear your costume and and announce the winners of our teen rread-weekead-week contests. receive a spooky treat! YouYou must be presentpresent to win, so this is a prprogramogram you won’t want to miss! 7 p.m. Oct. 18

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supriseaz.com "shocking" plan to save lives in surprise

When a heart attack happens, every minute counts.

That’s why the Surprise Fire Department is launching a program to make Surprise a “heart- friendly” city by placing Automated External “It’s admirable what Happy Trails, Arizona Defibrillators (AED) in all City buildings and, Traditions and Sun City Grand have done. They’ve eventually, in large stores and other public venues purchased units and trained people to respond,” such as restaurants and golf courses. The AED White said, adding that he knows of at least one takes CPR one step further by allowing a person positive outcome in Sun City Grand, where several with minimal training to deliver a shock that can AEDs have been placed in office, craft and exercise jolt a quivering heart back into a normal rhythm. areas. “Someone was exercising, they went down In the USA alone, about 60,000 people a year and an employee applied the AED and that person experience sudden cardiac arrest. According to was able to walk out of the hospital,” he said. studies released in August by the New England Arizona Traditions and Happy Trails have four and Journal of Medicine, the chances of survival nearly five, respectively. quadruple if fast-acting laypeople perform CPR, The biggest challenge is getting people and nearly triple if a shock from a defibrillator trained, said Firefighter Scott Smith, chairman of is delivered within eight minutes. An Aug. 12 the AED committee. “People are afraid, mostly for article in USA Today quotes Roger White, a Mayo liability reasons,” he said, “but the ‘Good Samaritan Clinic researcher who says eight minutes isn’t even Law’ states that as long as you’re acting with due adequate. His data shows that victims shocked regard – following the guidelines you’ve been taught within six minutes almost always live; those and not intentionally trying to hurt the person – shocked after six minutes almost always die. you can’t be held liable.” For Smith, it’s a matter of Many times, paramedics can’t get to the victim The Golden Rule: “Why wouldn’t you want to help within the critical five to six-minute time frame, someone? Wouldn’t you want them to help you?” and for every minute that passes, a person’s chances A handful of employees learned to use the of survival decrease by 10 percent, which makes device at the first CPR/AED training session held the need for trained citizens that much more this summer. More employees are expected to apparent. “AED is not a cure-all for everything; we go through the still need advanced life support to keep the person program this fall, from slipping back into a lethal arrhythmia, but if including every the shock is successful it buys us time,” said Chief member of the Michael White. Police Department,

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supriseaz.com Facilities Manager Dan Newell and Code Compliance Specialist Jenifer Surprise Firefighters offer O’Melia are City employees who CPR/AED training are certified to use the AED. on the third Saturday of every month starting at 9 a.m. in the main classroom of Surprise City Hall. There are two types: CPR/AED for the Community and Workplace, is a free, six-hour, non-certification class open to all ages. Next classes: Oct. 16, Dec. 18 Healthcare Provider CPR/AED, is an eight-hour and the goal is to have at certification class mainly for healthcare workers. Cost least five employees trained is $30 and minimum age is 18. Next class: Nov. 20 at each site before the AED is Call 623.815.5407 to register for either class, or to put into place. find out more about setting up a special training ses- Currently, the City owns sion for large groups. six of the units, which cost about $2,000 including Arizona Traditions offers training classes to its the case and miscellaneous residents. Call Joan Shannon at 623.975.4306. supplies. Three will be For more information on donating an AED or pur- placed at Surprise Stadium, chasing an AED for your business or church, e-mail one at City Hall, one at the [email protected], or call 623.583.8225. Aquatic Center, and one at Donor plaques will be mounted next to the AED unit. the Senior Center. As more are purchased, they will be placed at the Hollyhock Community Pool, Water Treatment Plant and the Vehicle Maintenance Facility. In some instances, more than one AED will be placed per site. “You should be able to get to one in 90 seconds or less,” White said. “At the City Hall complex and in several areas of our City, the demographics show there’s a high risk of cardiac disease,” Chief White said. “AEDs definitely increase the chances of surviving a cardiac episode.”

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supriseaz.com Cliff Elkins and Joe Johnson were sworn-in as new council members Sept. 16 after defeating incumbents in a recall election Sept. 7. Elkins replaces Don Cox in the Acacia District (1), and Johnson replaces Vice-Mayor Bob Vukanovich in the Palm District (5). They will remain in office until June 2005, or longer, if they seek and win re-election next year in the City’s March primary and May general elections.

623.512.2547 / [email protected] Sullivan, who beat out three challengers to survive a recall attempt, will continue as the Mesquite DistrictCity (3) representative Council until his Changes first term expires in June of 2007. Sullivan is a loan officer and a three- year resident of Greenway Parc. He served on the Surprise Economic Development Advisory Board before takingGary office “Doc” in June Sullivan of 2003. An avid bowler, Sullivan and his wife, Stephanie, have two grown sons.

623.583.5899 / [email protected] Elkins, a graduate of Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, has an extensive background in transportation issues. He has worked as a transportation economist worldwide, as well as a lobbyist and congressional staff director of the House Transportation, Commerce and Tourism Subcommittee. A Surprise residentCliff since Elkins 1997, Elkins has served as a member of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and helped with the management of adult programs for ASU West. Elkins and his wife, Claire - a real estate broker - have six children and 12 grandchildren.

623.210.0150 / [email protected] Johnson, a small business owner, has lived in Arizona for 31 years; seven of those in Surprise. The father of an elementary and high school student, he has served on Dysart Unified School District subcommittees and is a founding member and immediate past president of Parents Plus, a parent/teacher organization at WillowJoe CanyonJohnson High School.

Not sure which district you live in? Call 623.583.1098 or visit surpriseaz.com and look under City Departments/City Clerk/Election News/Voting District Map 2004.

A 1,600-square-foot home can become engulfed in flames and toxic smoke in two minutes, and more than half of all home fire deaths occur in the five percent of homes that have NO smoke did alarms.* As part of National Fire Prevention Week, Surprise fi re- fi ghters are encouraging residents to: you know? • Check smoke detectors once a month • Vacuum the smoke detector at least quarterly • Change the batteries once a year • Change the smoke detector every ten years The Surprise Fire Department will install smoke detectors for a minimal charge. Info: 623.583.8225 *According to the National Fire Prevention Association

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supriseaz.com coming soon Idaho Forest Products showroom and lumberyard Restaurants: Village Inn, 14539 W. Grand Ave.; Red is now open at 13403 W. Robin, Carrabas, Paul Lee's Chinese Kitchen and TGI Fridays, Foxfire in the Commerce southwest corner of Bell and Litchfield roads. Park. The company Groceries: Fry’s Marketplace, 13982 W. Waddell Road. manufactures unique Retail: Cobblestone Auto Spa and Market, 13811 W. Bell southwest interior and Road; Barnes and Noble and Ross Dress for Less, Surprise exterior wood products. Marketplace, southwest corner of Bell and Grand; Goodyear Stop by or visit Tire, 14987 W. Grand Ave.; Thunderbird Automotive, 18808 N. www.idahoforest.com Reems Road; The UPS Store, 16772 W. Bell Road. Hair Salons: Color Bar Salon, 16846 W. Bell Road; Sport Clips, Kohl's Shopping Center. now open Banks: M&I Bank, 16890 W. Bell Road. SURPRISE MARKETPLACE Schools: Arizona Charter School, 16011 N. Dysart Road. southwest corner of Bell Road and Grand Ave: Churches: Radiant Church, 15522 W. Paradise Lane, Best Buy church and preschool. Offices: Metro Physical Therapy, 15288 W. Brookside KOHL'S SHOPPING CENTER Lane; Century 21, 16846 W. Bell Road. northwest corner of Bell and Litchfield roads: Apartments: West Point Park Apartments, 16682 N. West Payless Shoe Source Point Parkway. Foot Solutions Check Into Cash Horizontal Sun Rayze WATER WISE It Figures Fitness Deanna Ikeya C & A Nails Water Conservation Specialist The UPS Store 623.875.4231 COMMERCE PARK entrance off of Bell Road and 134th Drive: Eurodecor, 13260 W. Foxfire With cooler temperatures just around the corner, you can adjust irrigation timers to water plants less ALBERTSON'S PLAZA frequently. Pick up the “Watering by the Numbers” 16750 W. Bell Road brochure at the Water Services Department in City Hall, All Star Animal Hospital or use the interactive landscape-watering guide at www. Kim's Surprise Expert Cleaners wateruseitwisely.com to determine how much to water Ladies Workout Express your plants. Edward Jones Investments

CROSSROADS TOWNE CENTER Bell Road at R.H. Johnson Blvd. CODE TALK American Wholesale Mortgage Jenifer O'Melia Your Health Food Store Code Compliance Specialist 623.875.4301 VARIOUS LOCATIONS Grand Avenue Self Storage, 14924 W. Yorkshire Drive According to Surprise City Code 17.32.060, a Macayo's Restaurant, 15565 W. Bell Road building permit is required to construct or erect a KD Uniform Company, 14291 W. Grand Avenue fence on any property located within the City limits. Sonic Drive In, 15471 W. Bell Road The only exception is if the fence is on a farm or West Coast Dental, 13706 W. Bell Road related to farming. Sonic Drive In, 15471 W. Bell Road

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supriseaz.com surprise senior center

15832 N. Hollyhock St. 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday For ages 60 and up $10 annual membership Info: 623.583.0653

Ongoing programs: Computer lessons, Bingo, guest speakers, holiday parties, blood pressure screening, volunteer opportunities, hot lunches and more. For a complete calendar of events, stop by the Senior Center, or visit the City’s web site at www.surpriseaz.com and click on “Community Initiatives” Fitness Center: Open 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. weekdays. Annual membership fee is $25; $15 for winter only.

UPCOMING HIGHLIGHTS Benefit Check-up and Assistance. Trained volunteers Computer Classes. Monday through Friday starting will help answer health insurance and Medicare ques- in October, learn Basic I & II, Internet, E-mail, File tions, and determine eligibility for state or federal pro- Management, and Spreadsheet. $10 class fee. See grams based on your income. By appointment only: schedule for details. 623.583.0653 Super Swap. Nov. 6 in the City Hall Courtyard. Laughter Club. Prevent hardening of the attitudes by attending the twice-a-month group. At each session we TRIPS will learn a new laughter exercise to boost our oxygen- ation, immune system and general well being. Best of Fort McDowell Casino. Sept. 24. $3 all, it’s free! Arizona State Fair. Oct. 18. $5 AARP Driver’s Training. $10 covers two 4-hour ses- sions. Call 623.546.7143 to register. PARTIES Tax Tips. A free service available the first and third Octoberfest Picnic in the Park. Oct. 22. Wednesday morning of each month. Call 623.583.0653 Featuring entertainer Ken Walker for an appointment. Talent/No Talent Show. 1 p.m. Nov. 18. Colds and Flu. 10 a.m. Oct. 6. Learn the difference Winners receive prizes between colds and flu, and preventive strategies in this free class presented by Sun Health. Call 623.876.5432 to register. Watch for flu shots in early November.

DIAL-A-RIDE offers curb-to-curb transportation exclusively to Surprise residents. Rides are offered by appointment only and may be booked up to two weeks in advance by calling 623.583.1688. Though medical appointments take priority, several multi-passenger vans are available from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday to ferry residents to medical appointments, work or shopping.

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID SUN CITY, AZ PERMIT #22 12425 W. Bell Road Surprise, AZ 85374

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