12 minute read
Ask Cappie the Computer Cat
ONLINE SAFETY TIPS
Dear Cappie, My current phone is still working okay but a bit sluggish—it doesn’t hold a charge as long as it used to when I first got it. At what point do you think it’s a good idea to buy a new smartphone? Teddy from SCG
Dear Teddy, How do you use your phone? If you mostly use it just for basic tasks like making calls, browsing the web, and sending text messages--a newer, faster phone will not make a huge difference. You did not mention if you have an Android or iPhone, how old your smartphone is, or what condition it is in. Regardless of the operating system, if you answer “yes” to the following questions, you might consider buying a new phone: n Can you no longer download the latest updates to your phone’s operating system? n Will your smartphone no longer run the latest versions of apps you have downloaded? n Is your “touch screen” cracked, losing brightness, not responding as well to your touch? A good rule of thumb of when to consider an upgrade is when you no longer can get software updates or if the cost of fixing the device is more than the phone is worth based on its age and condition. iPhones get security and software updates for five to six years. Android devices get them for about two to three years. Another practical reason to get a new phone is if the cost of fixing broken parts is too high, e.g., severely cracked, or broken touch screen, phone waterlogged and unresponsive, suffered a serious fall, etc. Before deciding to spend your hard-earned cash, if your smartphone is responding too slowly or using up battery life too quickly, try these fixes: n Reset your phone Wi-Fi signal. The easiest way is to turn on airplane mode, wait a few seconds, then turn it off. If your browser is still running slowly after it reconnects, try turning off your Wi-Fi, then reconnecting or using a different Wi-Fi connection.
If your connection improves, then the problem was with the Wi-Fi itself and not with your phone. n Get rid of old text messages.
They take up an enormous amount of storage. Your phone will run faster, and you’ll have an easier time navigating through your texts. (For an iPhone: Find the conversations you want to remove>Swipe to the left>tap on the trashcan icon>click Delete. Steps for Android phones vary depending on manufacturer and model). n Get rid of apps you don’t use because take up storage space and chew up battery life. Before you delete each app, log in to the app and go to the menu page that lets you deactivate or delete your account so your personal information will be deleted as well. n Avoid running several apps at one time as this too will slow down your phone--so close
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lindavp@cox.net www.LindaVP.com View the digital version of “Ask Cappie” monthly column by going to www.grandinfo.com. Click on the More News>Grand Lifestyles Magazine> to choose the month you want to view. Special thanks to Annie and Bruce Lowe for sharing this lovely photo of Darcy-Dog Lowe, a half Cocker Spaniel, half Blue Meryl Mini Berne-doodle.
them by turning your phone off, then back on, to clear the RAM (random access memory). n Periodically clear your phone’s cache. If you frequently surf the web, it might be filled, which can slow down your phone significantly. If you use Safari, go to
Settings>Safari>Clear
History and Website Data.
For Chrome, open the browser> tap the three dots in thecorner>Settings>
Privacy>Clear Browsing
Data>check Cached Images and Files>Clear Browsing
Data. (The cache stores images and other data so it will readily display the next time you visit the website.) n Update the operating system and update your apps when notified, to optimize and improve performance.
Updates generally result in software running better and using fewer resources. A more drastic approach is to return your phone’s operating system to its original state, which is called a factory reset. It removes everything from your phone except the operating system. Before you perform a factory reset, perform all the above fixes and then back up your phone so you can re-install “cleaned” apps and data. (For an iPhone: Settings>General>Reset>Reset All Settings. Enter your Apple ID then tap Erase. For Android: Settings>Backup & Reset>Factory data reset>Reset phone. Enter your passcode and tap Erase). If the above recommendations fail to speed up your phone and your battery continues to lose its charge before the end of the day, you still have options. n One of the simplest and most affordable solutions is to replace the battery.
Batteries have a finite life and manufacturers recommend they be replaced every two to three years. Replacing the battery stretches a device’s lifespan and speeds it up. n Consider buying a newer but used phone from a reliable source. n Consider buying a new phone BUT an older model.
You don’t have to jump to the latest phone on the market. If you still decide to buy the latest smartphone with the newest design changes, better camera, brighter screens, more powerful processors, longer battery life, etc., do your homework. Buying a cell phone is a complicated decision. Check out the best options from both the manufacturer, (based on performance, cameras, price, etc.), as well as the latest deals from the phone plan provider (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, etc.).
Aly Cline
Council Member
WEST NILE VIRUS
Maricopa County Vector Control has established a West Nile virus hotline. Residents may call 602.506.0700 and select from the following menu: • Option 1: Report stagnant water, a green pool, mosquito problems or receive fogging notifications. • Option 2: Mosquito related disease and info/assistance • Option 3: Current ground fogging schedule • Option 4: Info on mosquito eating fish or reach the
Environmental Services Dept. You can also file an online "Environmental Services Complaint Form" with Maricopa County. *All mosquito fogging is done through Maricopa County Vector Control. Here is a link to their education campaign: maricopa.gov/1746/ West-Nile-Virus
SUNDAY IN THE PARK
Sunday in the Park continues in the new year! Join us on January 23 from 3–7 p.m. for live music, various food trucks, an assortment of beer and wine, and family-friendly entertainment such as bounce houses, face painting, a trackless train and more! View event details at surpriseaz.gov/calendar. Future dates are February 13 and April 3.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
RECENT RIBBON CUTTINGS IN SURPRISE
• September 29: The Learning
Experience located at 15351
W. Cactus Rd. • October 8: Friends of the
Surprise Libraries at 16089 N.
Bullard Ave. In honor of their newly renovated area at the
Northwest Regional Library. • October 13: Mobile Home
Depot located at 13033 W.
Grand Ave. • October 21: Ken Garff
Hyundai Grand Re-Opening located at 12925 N. Autoshow
Ave. • October 25: Just Be Youtiful
Women’s Boutique located at 15332 W. Bell Rd., Suite #135. • October 29: Dysart School
District hosted a ribbon cutting event, in coordination with the City, to announce the opening of their elementary school fields and playgrounds in Surprise to the public, after school hours and on weekends.
SPEEDING
I have heard from some of my constituents regarding concerns of speeding and drivers not yielding to people in crosswalks. The City of Surprise has a Street Speed Limit Map where you can easily view the speed limits of our streets. The map can be found online at surpriseaz. gov/1611/Know-the-speed-limit. Speed limits are established based on careful examination of all the factors affecting safe driving in that stretch of roadway. In residential areas and business districts, the speed limit is 25 mph, in alleys the speed limit is 15 mph and on access streets the speed limit is 35 mph. These speeds may not always be posted, but you are required to know these basic speed laws. Speed limits approaching yellow school crosswalks are 15 mph when the portable signs are placed on the street. When a speed limit sign is not posted, Arizona's Basic Speed Law applies. It requires you to drive at a speed that is reasonable and prudent under existing conditions. In every event, speed must be so controlled as to avoid colliding with any object, person or vehicle on the highway. It is the duty of ALL drivers to exercise reasonable care for the protection of others.
G.A.I.N NIGHT
On Saturday, October 23, I, along with Mayor Skip Hall and Councilmembers Roland Winters and Chris Judd, attended the family-friendly G.A.I.N. Night at Mark Coronado Park, which brings the community together! It was a great turnout with trick or treating, a gaming trailer and laser tag, live music, Chick-Fil-A hot air balloon, and public safety displays. Thank you Surprise Police Department and Parks and Recreation for hosting such a wonderful event!
BEST OF THE WEST
Thursday, October 21, myself, along with Mayor and Council, attended the Best of the West Awards dinner which was held at State Farm Stadium. This event, hosted by WESTMARC, recognizes exceptional contributions to the image, lifestyle and economy here in the West Valley. This Awards Dinner is the signature event of the West Valley with a rich history of celebrating outstanding accomplishments and impacts to quality of life, economic development, innovation and leadership.
MEET AND GREET
My next monthly Meet and Greet will be on Tuesday, December 28, in Sun City Grand’s Pima room at 6 p.m. I look forward to discussing the latest City news and answering any questions you have. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me anytime at aly.cline@surpriseaz.gov or by calling 623.222.1322.
CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
The next regularly scheduled Council meetings are December 7 and 21 at 6 p.m., and City Hall is open to the public for in-person attendance. You can also watch live on surpriseaz. gov/surprisetv, the Surprise City Facebook page at facebook. com/cityofsurprise, or on Cox channel 11. Happy Holidays from Councilmember Cline I want to extend my warmest wishes for the Holiday Season to celebrate City of Surprise residents. Thank you for your continued support, and enjoy your holidays! Wishing you and your family lots of good health, tons of happiness and plenty of prosperity in the year ahead. Happy New Year!
ZOO LIGHTS DECEMBER FAMILY ACTIVITIES PhoenixZoo/ArizonaCenterforNatureConservation 455N.GalvinPkwy.,PapagoParkPhoenix,AZ85008 Time: 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM, thru January 15, 2022
Please visit the various websites for face mask and safety guidelines.https://www.phoenixzoo.org/events/ Phoenix's most cherished holiday tradition is back with millions of
Each month, we are proud to provide GrandKids Corner, a varied list of activity options for you, our Residents, and your families. twinkling lights, dazzling animal sculptures and our Wildlife Lantern Safari, featuring 66 creatures — polar bears, mammoths, peacocks ZOO LIGHTS and And more, all aglow. this year, there’s a NEW way to feel the magic. Cruise ZooLights, Phoenix Zoo the drive-thru new sights and experience that is not sounds, ZooLights is to be missed. With expanded trails and bigger, brighter and better than ever. On select nights 455 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix only, the classic walk-thru ZooLights experience returns, too.Check the ZooLights calendar purchased in advance online.n thru January 15, 2022, 5:30–10:30 pm for walk-thru dates. Tickets must be n phoenixzoo.org/events/
Phoenix's most cherished holiday tradition is back with millions of twinkling lights, dazzling animal sculptures and our HOLIDAY LIGHTS AT SAWildlife Lantern Safari, featuring 66 creatures — polar bears, mammoths, peacocks and LT RIVER more, all aglow. FIELDS AT TALKING STICK
Dates: November 19, 2021 -January 1, 2022And this year, there’s a NEW way to feel SaltRiverFieldsatTalkingStick the magic. Cruise ZooLights, the drive-thru • 7555NPimaRd.Scottsdale,experience that is not to be missed. With AZ85258 Price: expanded trails and new sights and sounds, Prices Vary $35-$355 ZooLights is bigger, brighter and better than ever.
On select nights only, the classic walk-thru ZooLights experience returns, too. Check the ZooLights calendar for walk-thru dates. Tickets must be purchased in advance online. WORLD OF ILLUMINATION
Desert Diamond Casino & Entertainment 9431 W Northern Ave., Glendale
n Starts at $39 per car n thru January 2, 2022, 6–10 pm, n worldofillumination.com World of Illumination, the producer of the world’s largest drive-through animated light show, presents two all-new theme parks in the Phoenix-metro area. Guests can choose to visit Reindeer Road at Tempe Diablo Stadium or Candy Rush at Desert Diamond Casino in Glendale. BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
Litchfield's at The Wigwam 300 E. Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park
n 9-11am, reservations required. n wigwamarizona.com/holiday-happenings Have a merry morning with our served holiday breakfast buffet in Litchfield's & crafts for the kid's to enjoy at the table or to take home! Santa himself will be joining us for pictures during breakfast. HOLIDAY LIGHTS AT SALT RIVER FIELDS AT TALKING STICK
Salt River Fields at Talking Stick 7555 N Pima Rd., Scottsdale
n thru January 1, 2022, 6–10pm daily n Prices Vary $35-$355 n 6–10pm Daily n saltriverfields.com/holiday-lights/ Holiday Lights at Salt River Fields, a unique and dazzling holiday light experience, returns to celebrate the season with an unprecedented spectacle of nearly 5 million lights that will greet Yuletide revelers along 1.2 miles that encircles the award-winning Spring Training home of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies. ARIZONA CARDINALS VS. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
State Farm Stadium 1 Cardinals Dr., Glendale
n December 25, 2021 n $45-$117 n 6:15 PM n statefarmstadium.com Arizona Cardinals vs. Indianapolis Colts at State Farm Stadium in Glendale.
PHOENIX SUNS VS. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
Footprint Center 201 E Jefferson St., Phoenix
Phoenix Suns vs. Golden State Warriors, at Footprint Center in Phoenix.
