December 7 - 20, 2013
www.SanTanSun.com
Duggan chosen as police chief BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI
Scottsdale Assistant Police Chief Sean Duggan has been hired to lead the Chandler Police Department, ending a six-and-a-half-month search. Duggan calls the job a “tremendous opportunity.” “It’s the world-class city and the police department has a great reputation as professional and filled with talented people,” explains Duggan, who has worked for SPD for 27 years. “I’m an assistant chief now. There
are chief positions all over the country, but Chandler is a special place, a special community that has great support for its police department.” City Manager Rich Dlugas chose Duggan on Wed., Nov. 27, for his familiarity of the Valley and Arizona law. Duggan’s first day on the job is Mon., Jan. 13, and his starting salary will be $173,000. “He is going to be able to hit the ground running,” Dlugas says. Duggan, Dlugas adds, brings the ability to further train and prepare police officers for promotional opportunities and succession planning. “That’s a high priority for him, in terms of preparing people within the department,” Dlugas says. “It adds to an already good department. He was very impressive during the entire interview process.” As part of that process, Dlugas visited Scottsdale to speak with the police chief, staff and the fire chief. Their comments confirmed that Duggan was the right candidate. On Thanksgiving, the Chandler Law Enforcement Association welcomed Duggan with a message on its website: “We look forward to working with Chief Duggan to continue to make the Chandler Police Department one of the
Sean Duggan. Submitted photo
SEE CHIEF PAGE 4
Huskies fall to Pride in state football championship
DIVISION 1 CHAMPIONSHIP: Running back Tyrell Smith, No. 1, runs the ball for the Huskies in the Division 1 Championship Game against Mountain Pointe High School, Sat., Nov. 30, at University of Phoenix Stadium. STSN photo by Nick Bartlett BY SETH COX
It all seemed so familiar for the Hamilton Huskies: Another state championship match up, a familiar opponent and—unfortunately for the 2013 Huskies—a loss. In Hamilton and Mountain Pointe’s first meeting of the season, the Mountain Pointe Pride raced to a 24-
13 first-half lead and never looked back in their impressive 37-27 win over Hamilton. That was the most points the Huskies had given up since 2008 (a 35-16 loss to Centennial) and an early wakeup call that this isn’t 2012. On Sat. Nov. 30, the wakeup call SEE HAMILTON PAGE 6
Magazine honors mayor as leader of the year
Holiday drives provide local donation opportunities
BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI
BY TRACY HOUSE
Mayor Jay Tibshraeny may have been selected as American City and County Magazine’s Municipal Leader of the Year, but, he says, the honor isn’t all his. “In terms of the award, yes it’s an award for me,” Tibshraeny says. “I’m very proud of it. It’s also an award for Chandler and what we’ve done in Chandler. Anything I do, I do for the citizens, on behalf of the citizens and for the citizens. This really is an award for Chandler and the recognition for a great community. We’re being now recognized nationally by this award as a great community.” Tibshraeny was featured in the November edition of American City and County, which has been the voice of state and local government since 1909. The magazine serves city, county
The Chandler Fire Department is once again sponsoring a toy drive to help families who may not otherwise have a chance to enjoy Christmas. Tom Dwiggins, battalion chief, community relations division with the Chandler Fire Department, says his organization has been sponsoring the toy drive as long as he can remember. “I’ve been on the job almost 16 years and we’ve been doing it,” Dwiggins explains. In the past, firefighters would collect toys in the station, each of which would adopt three families and deliver toys for the holiday. Over time, there was a greater need in the community and the department realized that it could reach more families by partnering with nonprofit agencies, he says. “By partnering with the nonprofit organization we’ve really been able to
SEE MAYOR PAGE 8
LEADER OF THE YEAR: Mayor Jay Tibshraeny appeared on the cover of American City and County Magazine in November. Submitted photo
FREE RIDE: The Chandler Fire Department is giving rides around the mall. Submitted photo
expand on how much we can give back to our community,” Dwiggins mentions. “Every year we’re getting bigger and collecting more toys.” The goal is to collect a minimum of
F E AT U R E STO R I E S Tree lighting set for Dec. 7; Ford is sponsor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . COMMUNITY . . . . . . . . . . Page 9 Oil & Vinegar offers culinary delights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BUSINESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 21 VCHS club builds ‘Bridges’ of friendship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YOUTH . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 30 Historic resort celebrates 100th anniversary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NEIGHBORS . . . . . . . . . . .Page 53 Local musician launches solo career . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ARTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 65
SanTan Family Fun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Center Section
SEE DRIVES PAGE 4
More Community . . . . . . 1-20 Business . . . . . . . .21-29 Youth. . . . . . . . . . 30-38 Opinion. . . . . . . . . 51-52 Neighbors. . . . . . 53-64 Arts . . . . . . . . . . . 65-74 Spirituality . . . . . 75-78 Directory . . . . . . 79-80 Classifieds. . . . . . .81-82 Where to eat . . . 83-86