El Mirage News - November

Arizona’s Opportunity City November 2010

www.cityofelmirage.org 623-972-8116Vol. 1, No. 7

El Mirage News

City of El Mirage12145 NW Grand Ave.El Mirage, AZ 85353

PRESORTED STANDARD

U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDGlendale, AZPERMIT #244

Postal CustomereCrWss

The award-winning Plan of El Mirage goes before city voters November 2 for ratification. The City Council unanimously approved The Plan on July 8. Economic Development Director Scott Chesney said “The council’s action is a strong statement for us to recruit the kinds of businesses and shops our residents tell us they want in the city.”

The Plan of El Mirage is a major update to the 2003 General Plan that provides the city with a road map of desirable attributes for city residents and businesses. General Plan’s must be updated at least once every ten years. This plan is ahead of schedule due to the economic changes seen in the city since 2003 when the current plan was adopted. The new Plan will guide growth and development now that the city is substantially built-out and transitions to a more compact growth pattern in

key areas of the city such as along Grand Avenue and Thunderbird Roads.

One unique element to The Plan of El Mirage is the section called “The Neighborhoods.” No other General Plan in Arizona has a section devoted to neighborhood preservation and stabilization. This gives City staff, developers, a n d t h e c o m m u n i t y guidance for preserving our neighborhoods and protecting residential property values.

The Plan highlights the Agua Fria River as an attribute, long ignored by the community, for recreation and as part of a larger pedestrian trail system linking Lake Pleasant to the Salt and Gila Rivers.

Va l l e y F o r w a r d Association, a group that brings business and civic leaders together to convene thoughtful public dialogue on regional issues and to promote cooperative efforts to improve the environment

General Plan goes to the voters on November 2

The Plan of El Mirage calls for a vibrant Downtown Arts District.

Polling Places are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day.

For more information about voter registration, polling place location, and general election information, please contact the Maricopa C o u n t y E l e c t i o n s Department at 602-506-1511 or visit their website: http://recorder.maricopa.gov/web/elections.aspx

and livability of Valley communities, recognized the city of El Mirage with an Award of Merit October 2nd for The Plan of El Mirage – prepared under the guidance of The Planning Center of Tucson. The Award of Merit represents

recognition for significant effort in sustainable planning and design. For the city of El Mirage to be recognized in this forum is an honor and testimony that the greater Phoenix development community sees the progress our city

is making to reposition itself for a sustainable and economically diverse future.

Valley Forward accepted a record number of nominees for recognition this year. Over 150 submittals were made. In the category of

General Election November 2

In recent weeks, the City of El Mirage was awarded a $35,000 grant under the Tohono O’odham Nation’s 12% Revenue Sharing Program. The award represents a milestone in the City’s quest to become one of the State’s most sustainable communities. A sustainable community is one focused on reducing the impacts of development on natural resources and the environment through conscient ious energy use, thus preserving the community’s quality of life for future generations.

With grant funding from the Tohono O’odham Nation, unemployed and underemployed women will be placed in high-demand, market-driven training programs in the City aligned with the workforce needs of energy sector employers in metropolitan Phoenix. In addition, women interested in starting small businesses will have access to coursework that will guide them toward

City awarded grant to create ‘green jobs’ training program

starting and managing businesses focused on energy reduction. El Mirage residents will receive priority as training enrollees.

According to the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, “Metro Phoenix is anchored by world-class energy companies like First Solar, Kyocera, and Stirling Energy Systems”, and Arizona is quickly gaining energy market share among other international firms. Rioglass Solar of Spain announced in August that it will establish its

U.S. headquarters and a solar reflector manufacturing plant in Surprise, and is expected to hire up to 200 employees. Weeks ago, China-based Sun Tech Power Holdings, Ltd. announced its opening of a manufacturing facility in Goodyear, with plans to expand the facility within the next few years. Sun Tech expects to hire 150 people by the end of 2011.

“Offering training in energy-related careers is one of the best ways the City can serve its residents, “ said Pat

Job training in energy-related careers is one of the best ways the City can serve its residents.

Gregan, Grants Coordinator. “Energy sector training in the current job market will lead to new jobs and long-term careers at salaries which support individual self-sufficiency”.

An important part of each trainee’s learning experience will be the chance to hone newly acquired skills on energy projects in and around El Mirage. Women enrolled in grant-funded energy training will be expected to participate in on-the-job training and internships with contractors, as well as other situational learning experiences to gain a better understanding of how their skills align with the environmental and energy needs of the El Mirage community. Trainees may also conduct residential energy audits and home weatherization tasks to show residents how simple in-home retrofits can add up to big energy cost savings. They may learn to install residential-sized solar

Livable Communities, El Mirage was one of ten projects recognized and the only General Plan. This is the first time in the 30 years of the Environmental Excellence Awards that El Mirage received an award – and also the first time in the city’s history to receive such an award from any organization.

The Plan of El Mirage was previously recognized by the Arizona Chapter of the American Planning Association with a state award for the public participation elements of the Plan – Theater Simple’s Park Bench program.

G e o r g e F l o r e s Community Development Director noted that “…..this plan is an example of what a compact landlocked community can do and reflects what residents asked us to accomplish to maintain a small town atmosphere, and create urban activities, entertainment, retail , recreation, and jobs!”

panels or appliances to gain a greater understanding of what the future of energy-conscious lifestyles entails; or they may lead a workshop of residents interested in the variety of ways they may reduce, reuse, and recycle as part of their contribution to the City’s sustainable future.

To learn more about enrolling in new energy t raining programs in El Mirage, contact: Pat Gregan, Grants Coordinator, 623-876-2973, e-mail: [email protected], or Marianne Archibald, Economic Development Coordinator, 623-876-2962, e-mail: [email protected].

El Mirage News2 November 2010

City of El Mirage Building Safety 623-933-8318 Business License 623-876-2965 CityClerk’sOffice623-876-2925 City Hall 623-972-8116 Municipal Court 623-815-2186 Police Non-Emergency 623-933-1341 Senior Center 623-876-4232

Animal Control Dead Animals 623-933-8318 Maricopa County 602-506-7387 Stray Dogs 623-933-1341

Utilities APS-Electric Service 602-371-7171 Parks and Sons-Trash Service 623-974-4791 Southwest Gas- 800-873-2440 Water Service-City of El Mirage 623-933-1228

Other Assessor’s Appraisers (Maricopa County) 602-993-0098 Dial-A-Ride (El Mirage) 623-876-4223 DysartUnifiedSchoolDistrict623-876-7000 Flood Control District (Maricopa County) 602-506-1501 GraffitiHotline623-876-4611 PostOffice800-275-8777 Landfill(Glendale)623-930-2191 Library (El Mirage) 602-652-3382 Liquor Licensing (Arizona) 602-542-5141 PostOffice(ElMirage)623-575-7344 Ramada Rental (Gateway Park) 623-933-1228 Street Lights Out – Call APS 623-371-7171 Voter Registration 602-506-3535

The much anticipated D y s a r t R o a d a n d Thunderbird (Waddell) R o a d I n t e r s e c t i o n Improvement Project i s c o m p l e t e . T h e intersection is fully open and operational. This was one of the most complex projects ever undertaken

in the history of the City, requiring coordination with BNSF Railway, APS, COX Communications, Ci ty of Surpr ise , as well as state and federal agencies. Public Works staff was instrumental in the delivery of this project to completion from the

City of El Mirage: Frequently Used Numbers

Dysart/Thunderbird intersection completed on schedule and under budgetsuccessful negotiation of shared funding with the City of Surprise to final construction oversight of the project contractor. The project was completed under budget and on schedule.

Existing roadway was widened from one lane in each direction with a left turn lane to three lanes in each direction with double left turns and dedicated right turn lanes. The project included relocation of utilities; including the 69kV APS power lines; installation of new curb, gut ter, sidewalk and pavement;

new traffic signals; and BNSF railway gates and cantilever structures on all four approaches to the intersection. Project p r o v i d e s u l t i m a t e improvements for full build out of the area and will serve daily commuters from Surprise and El Mirage as well as commercial truck traffic.

The new intersection will ease traffic congestion and improve the quality of life of residents, which will allow them to spend more time with their families and less time commuting. It will also provide economic

development opportunities for existing businesses as well as new businesses and developments that may want to take advantage of the new enhanced area. The business community and traveling public were very patient with the various phases of construction.

Total project cost was estimated at $6.1 million; however, the final project cost is expected to be well under the estimate at $4.9 million. Most of the savings were due to the bid received from DCS Contracting, Inc., which was the Prime Contractor for this project

and the relocation of the existing utilities. City of Surprise is contributing with 38.8 % of the total project cost.

“ T h i s w a s a n exceptionally well done project , r ivaling any public project that I have seen during my 38 years of public service, “said George Flores, City of El Mirage Community Development Director. “My congratulations to the City of El Mirage Public Works Department and to all of the people and organizations who were involved in the project.”

The El Mirage Police Department will be conducting a food drive to benefit the St Mary’s Food Bank Alliance from Nov. 1 to 22. The majority of those served by the food bank are working poor families, children, and seniors and the need right now is great.

Between January and May 2010, the food bank distributed more than 35 million pounds of food. You can help by donating to the 2nd Annual EMPD Holiday Food Drive from Nov. 1 to 22.

Items in high demand include: • Canned foods including beans, vegetables, fruits,

soups, chili and pasta • Cereal (whole grain, low sugar)• Diapers (child and adult)• Juice (canned, plastic or boxed)• Pasta

• Peanut Butter• Rice• Tuna (canned or vacuum packed)• Monetary donations For every $1.00 donated, the

food bank can serve seven meals. Cash donations will only be accepted at the Police

Department. Food donations will be accepted between 8 – 5 Monday through Friday at the locations listed below.

• El Mirage Police Department, 11405 N Palm St• El Mirage Fire Department, 13513 N El Mirage Rd• El Mirage City Hall, 12145 NW Grand Av• El Mirage Senior Center, 14010 N El Mirage RdFor further information, contact Officer Monica Rios,

[email protected] or Aimee Currey, [email protected].

Police Department to host Holiday Food Drive

El Mirage NewsNovember 2010 3

Calendar of events: arts Move el Mirage

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Thanksgiving Pottery Painting ClassNov. 5, 10 AM to 1 PMor 6 to 9 PMMississippi Mud Paintin’ Parties

Have fun painting a platter or plate for Thanksgiving gift giving or creating your own holiday treasure. Pottery painting class is $10 per person plus the price of pottery. Large holiday plates are $15 and Thanksgiving platters are $20. All painting supplies are provided. Come alone or bring your friends for a holiday painting party!

Mississippi Mud Paintin’ Parties is located in the Creative Industries Incubator at El Mirage Civic & Cultural Center, 14010 N. El Mirage Road, Suite 201; Studio 1, in El Mirage. Information: Contact Tricia Riley at 623-329-3542 or visit www.artsmoveelmirage.com

What’s Up Downtown?Nov. 5, 8:30 to 11 AMEl Mirage City Hall

Something is always up in Downtown El Mirage, and to keep the communication flowing, the City of El Mirage hosts What’s Up Downtown? — an opportunity for residents, business owners, employees, artisans, real estate agents, developers and others to learn more about the exciting initiatives happening in and planned for Downtown El Mirage.

On the first Friday of each month, a presentation is provided on Arts Move El Mirage and its key initiatives. Following the presentation is a question and answer session. Informational handouts are provided. Area tours are available upon request.

Join us on Friday, November 5, 8:30

AM to 10:30 AM at El Mirage City Hall, 12145 NW Grand Avenue, El Mirage. For reservations and information visit www.artsmoveelmirage.com

Art Association Meeting Nov. 6, 9 to 11 AMEl Mirage Senior Center

The Art Association of El Mirage invites artists, artisans and members of the community to attend a networking meeting on Saturday, November 6, 9AM to 11AM as they chart the future of the arts in El Mirage.

“The Art Association is off to a great start,” said Acting Director Anthony Galto. “We have interests from a wide array of artists and artisans who are all anxious to become involved in the cultural phenomenon that is taking place

in El Mirage.” Galto said that the goals of the

Association are to foster creativity and art excellence, provide exhibition space to new and established artists, provide programs and activities that encourage public awareness, participation, and appreciation of the arts, and to develop interest in the arts through education, exhibition and networking.

“If you are involved in any aspect of the arts, even as a lover of the arts, plan to attend the meeting,” said Galto. “Together, we can make a difference.”

El Mirage Senior Center is located at the El Mirage Civic & Cultural Center, 14010 N. El Mirage Road, Suite 203 in El Mirage. For additional information contact Anthony Galto at 480-381-1212

4 November 2010El Mirage News

The City of El Mirage contracts with Maricopa County Animal Care and Control for animal control services within the city limits.

One of the benefits of the contract is that citizens can call the MCACC Call Center directly at (602) 506-PETS with questions or to report stray animals. The El

Maricopa County Animal Care and Control: Your source for animal welfare, help and advice

Protect the health and wellbeing of your family pets.

Mirage Police Department prefers that citizens call this number directly to report these kinds of issues. If they call the police non-emergency number, the Surprise Communications Operators can refer the call directly to the MCACC Call Center when appropriate.

Citizens should call the police department non-emergency number to report animal abuse or animal disturbing situations (barking dogs) and officers

will respond to assess the situation and contact animal owners if appropriate or write police reports and/or citations for situations that call for enforcement action. In cases involving vicious animals that are attacking or creating risks to public safety, citizens should call 911 to request police response.

Citizens are encouraged to visit the MCACC website or call the Call Center at (602) 506-PETS to inquire

about other services they provide such as spay and neuter vouchers, vaccinations, and licensing. You can access the website at: http://www.maricopa.gov/Pets/

Citizens who have questions about the City of El Mirage Animal Ordinance can access the actual code at the following link: http://www.amlegal.com/nxt /gateway.dl l /Arizona/elmirage_az/.

Leash LawsIt is against the law in

Maricopa County to allow your dog to run at large outside your property. Your dog must be confined to your home or property, either inside your house or within an enclosed yard. When taking your dog outside that area, he must be on a leash that is no longer than 6 feet in length. Keeping your dog on a leash also makes good sense. He will be safer and less likely to be hit by a car or run off. If you see a dog running loose, report it to 602-506-PETS and an Animal Control Officer will come out to remove the dog from the unsafe streets.

Animal Quick Facts

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LicensingThe law requires that all dogs over the age of

three months have a license. The law covers all unincorporated areas in Maricopa County and all other municipalities within Maricopa County with the exception of Fountain Hills and Native American reservations.

Thousands of pets find their way into MCACC Care Centers, many without licenses. It is hard to reunite an owner and lost pet without a license. Dog licenses are $16 for altered dogs and $40 for unaltered dogs. Licenses must be renewed every year. You can get obtain a license at any Maricopa County Animal Care and Control location or online at: http://www.maricopa.gov/Pets/License/Online.aspx

Rabies VaccinesThe law requires all dogs over the age of

three months to be vaccinated against rabies. The first vaccine is good for one year. The rest are good for three years

You can get your dog or cat vaccinated at

any Maricopa County Animal Care and Control location. Rabies vaccine is not required by law for cats, but it is recommended.

Rabies vaccinations are $34. They are only $20 Sunday afternoons from Noon – 4:00, Monday and Tuesday mornings from 9:00 – 11:00 at the East and West Valley Care Centers. They are $20 during all business hours at the Cat Adoption Center. Contact: 602-506-PETS www.pets.maricopa.gov

Spay/NeuterMCACC encourages all county residents to

get their dogs and cats spayed and neutered. MCACC sees more than 50,000 dogs and cats come through its doors every year. There is a huge pet overpopulation problem in Maricopa County.

“The Big Fix” No-Cost Spay/Neuter Voucher Program offers a free spay/neuter surgery. For information, call 602-506-PETS or visit the web site at: http://www.maricopa.gov/Pets/SpayNeuter

FACTS: From Page 4

Sun City Elks Lodge No. 2559 honored four El Mirage Police Department employees at the Fire/Law and Order Awards dinner on Monday evening, October 18th at 6 PM, at the Elks Lodge at 10760 W. Union Hills.

Pol ice Chief Michael Frazier joined the honorees’ spouses in celebration as Retired Assistant Police Chief Bill Louis presented the awards to the nominees.

Honored were Detective Sergeant Dave Wilson, Ms. Kim Tisdall, Crime Scene Specialist, Detective Mike Henige and Detective Dave Swingle.

Those honored were

selected based upon the following submission

On January 21, 2009 at approximately 2:40 a.m., El Mirage Police officers responded to the Walgreens Store at Cactus and El Mirage Roads reference an alarm call. Upon arrival they observed the front door of the store to be heavily damaged and the Chase Bank ATM removed. Officers checked the store and found no one inside.

When the store manager arrived, officers reviewed the store’s security camera footage. A large white Ford van circled the parking lot dropping off two subjects. The van backed into the front doors of

the store destroying the doors. Two more subjects exited the rear of the van and entered the store. The other two subjects entered from outside the store and the four attempted to remove the ATM. The ATM was anchored to the floor and was unable to be moved. The subjects exited the store and the van reversed again striking the ATM, knocking it loose from its anchor.

The suspects re-entered the store and loaded the ATM into the back of the van. All suspects from inside the store and the parking lot got back into the van and fled west bound on Cactus from El Mirage Rd.

All suspects wore ski type

Sun City Elk’s Club honors El Mirage Police Department employees masks covering their faces, dark coats and appeared to be wearing gloves. One of the subjects appeared to have an injured finger and was wearing a splint on the finger.

Detective Sergeant Dave Wilson was notified and took over the investigation. Crime Scene Specialist Kim Tisdall responded to the scene at the Walgreens and began photographing and processing the crime scene for forensic evidence. While sifting through the debris at the scene Ms.

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On Thursday evening, Nov.18, artist Bruce Charles holds center stage at the El Mirage Artist in Residence Gallery & Studio. His show, “Id” will be on display from Nov. 16 through Dec. 11. An opening reception will take place on Nov. 18.

“To put it simply I just paint,” said Charles. “I have no definitive subject or inspiration outside of the media I am using and/or the process itself. The paint is my subject.”

The relationship of the colors, and the relationship of the shapes and the textures and the lines that he uses are all his subjects. Sometimes he adds words and simple drawings to convey an emotion or idea,

Id Exhibition: Raw innocence and the impulses of childhood expressed in paint

Id exhibition opens on November 18 at Third Thursday in El Mirage. Artist: Bruce Charles

What: Id Artist Reception and ExhibitionWhen: Nov. 18 Artist Reception 5 to 9 p.m. Nov. 16 through Dec. 11 ExhibitionWhere: Artist in Residence Studio & Gallery 14010 N. El Mirage Road, Suite 202Info.: www.artsmoveelmirage.com

but generally he tries to be free of politics in his work. “It’s about simplicity and the impulses of childhood and raw innocence more than anything else,” said Charles. “Everything flows from the subconscious and pours on to the canvas with a focus or concentration on the experience of the creation.”

“I decided to call the exhibition Id because it is

Monthly festival goers enjoy a wide array of arts, entertainment and culinary delights.

Vendors are being sought for Third Thursday in El Mirage, a monthly celebration of arts and culture held on the Plaza at the El Mirage Civic & Cultural Center. Fine artists, artisans and culinary entrepreneurs can rent a display space for $25 or demonstrate their art or craft throughout the evening at no cost.

“We would like to launch a Farmer’s Market in conjunction with Third

Thursday,” said Deborah Collier, Chairperson of the El Mirage Art Association Farmer’s Market Committee.

“We encourage farmers and personal growers to join our committee,” said Collier. “We are committed to providing locally grown, fresh food and flowers to the community.”

Vendors are encouraged to learn more about Third Thursday at the monthly Art Association meeting,

Nov. 6, 9AM to 11AM at the Senior Center located at the El Mirage Civic & Cultural Center, 14010 N. El Mirage Road.

Third Thursday will take place on Nov. 18, 5PM to 9PM at the El Mirage Civic & Cultural Center. Cutoff date for vendor sign-up is Nov. 16 at 5 PM. For more information, vendor regulations, and vendor application visit: www.artsmoveelmirage.com.

Calling all artists, artisans and culinary entrepreneursArtists, artisans and culinary entrepreneurs are invited to participate as vendors at Third Thursday in El Mirage.

a term referring to one part of the three part psychic apparatus as defined in Sigmund Freud’s structural model of the psyche. According to Freud the id is comprised of the

unorganized part of the personality structure which contains the basic drives. The id is the unconscious by definition. I believe this is the genesis of my work,” said Charles.

New Arts Move El Mirage website will launch in November - See Page 8


or visit www.artsmoveelmirage.comJan Bullington Artist ReceptionNov. 11, 7 to 9 PMStudio GalleryEl Mirage Civic & Cultural Plaza

Jan Bullington has been painting professionally since 1988. Her painting started at a period of her life when she was transitioning out of raising her children and raising and showing horses, which she did for 20 years. At first Jan painted floral and Indian scenes. But when she turned her hand to her passion, which is the beloved spirit of the horse, she found her niche as an artist. She chose Arabians as her primary subject because of their beauty.

When Jan found this niche, for her it was the best of both worlds, being with horses and horse people and combining that with art and art people. For many years Jan showed her work at horse shows and art festivals and fairs, gaining her amazing recognition, as well as tens of collectors from all over the world. Jan’s work is in collections in the American Airlines

CALENDAR, From Page 3

Meet artist Jan Bullington at a gallery reception on Nov. 11.

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Arts Move El Mirage will launch a new website on Friday, November 5, 8:30 AM at the monthly “What’s Up Downtown” presentation at City Hall. The website will not only be a major resource for the arts community, but an economic development tool in regard to ongoing recruitment efforts for the Downtown Artist Relocation Program.

The website will allow a r t pa t rons t o eas i l y locate upcoming events, performances, workshops, lectures and activities taking

New Arts Move El Mirage website will launch on Nov. 5place in El Mirage.

The site will allow interested artists from around the world to access information on live/work housing opportunities in the Downtown Arts District. An up-to-date list of commercial properties will stir economic development efforts on Grand Avenue and Thunderbird Avenue.

The si te wi l l l ink to Facebook where friends of the arts can share with other friends their involvement and interest in Arts Move El Mirage.

“It’s an excellent portal to finding everything at your fingertips,” said Marianne Archibald, Arts Move El Mirage Program Director.

Property owners and Realtors who are interested in

What: Arts Move El Mirage Website LaunchWhen: Nov. 18 Artist Reception Nov. 16 through Dec. 11 ExhibitionWhere: El Mirage City Hall 12145 NW Grand AvenueInfo: Marianne Archibald, Program Director 623-876-2962Reservations: [email protected]

listing downtown properties for sale on the website are invited to attend the presentation launch on November 5 and learn more about the Downtown Arts District.

El Mirage artists, artisans and culinary entrepreneurs who would like to link to the site, or list their workshops, classes or upcoming art exhibitions, are encouraged to attend the presentation.

We are very proud to bring

this website to our community. Our art patrons, sponsors, council members, and staff knew there was an incredibly vibrant arts community here, but now everyone in the world can grasp the depth and the breadth of it reflected in this new website,” commented Archibald. “We expect this website to become a vital tool in the continued recruitment of artists and future economic development efforts.”

W i t h f a l l c o m e s the cool weather and we see more neighbors out and about enjoying fresh air. The City of El Mirage wants to remind residents of some key points of the City code regarding garbage and refuse containers to keep sidewalks, alleys, and streets clear, clean, and safe. The entire City code can be found on the City’s website at www.

cityofelmirage.org. Containers used for

garbage or rubbish shall be placed for collection as follows:

• Where there is an alley in the rear of the premises, the container shall be p l a c e d i m m e d i a t e l y adjacent to the alley or in the alley in such a manner as not to impede vehicular access.

• Where there is no alley, containers shall be

Let’s Talk Trash!placed at the curb in front of the premises. Refuse containers may not be placed on sidewalks or curbing in any manner as to interfere with or be hazardous to pedestrians or vehicles.

• When necessary to set containers at the front curb, they may be set out after 6:00 p.m. of the day preceding regular collection and shall be

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Tisdall found a finger splint that looked similar to the one seen in the surveillance video worn by one of the suspects. She seized the splint as evidence.

L a t e r t h a t d a y a t approximately 5:20 p.m. a concerned citizen called authorities to report a parked vehicle that she felt looked out of place. The unoccupied white Ford van was backed in on an empty lot approximately 100 yards south of Broadway Road on the west side of 91st Avenue in a sparsely populated, unincorporated area of the southwest Valley.

A sheriff’s deputy arrived on the scene and noted that the ignition was punched and observed an ATM machine in the back of the van. A connection was made to the incident that occurred earlier in the day at the Walgreen’s in El Mirage and investigators from the El Mirage Police Department responded to the scene. El Mirage investigators determined the vehicle was a reported stolen vehicle out of Ontario, California. The stolen ATM machine had been pried open and emptied. The cash content of the ATM was reported to be nearly $38,000.

The van was towed to the police impound lot and a search warrant was drawn to examine its contents and process it for evidence. While forensically processing the stolen van, Crime Scene Specialist Tisdall found a ski mask that looked

similar to the masks worn by the suspects in the surveillance video. Ms. Tisdall seized the ski mask and impounded it as evidence. She later sent both the finger splint and the ski mask to the Department of Public Safety Crime Lab for DNA processing.

The Department of Public Safety later notified the El Mirage Police Department they had identified a DNA profile on the finger splint and had also identified a separate DNA profile from the ski mask. This information provided the El Mirage Detectives Mike Henige and Dave Swingle with their first workable leads in the case.

The DNA profiles identified by the crime lab were for two California career criminals. Through extensive investigative work Detectives Henige and Swingle learned the possible whereabouts of one suspect in Northridge, California, and the other suspect in Los Angeles. The detectives obtained a Court Order to obtain buccal swabs from both suspects to confirm the DNA “hits” they had received from the crime lab. The two detectives then tracked down and contacted both suspects in California. ” Detectives Henige and Swingle interviewed both suspects about their involvement in the ATM heist in El Mirage, but both denied any involvement.

When the detect ives returned to the Valley they submitted the buccal swabs to

the crime lab and later received confirmations on the identity of both suspects. The detectives then completed their extensive police investigation on the case and submitted it to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office requesting charges be filed on both suspects.

In August 2010 a Maricopa County Grand Jury indicted both suspects on felony charges of Burglary (F-4), Theft (F-2), Theft of Means of Transportation (F-3) and Possession of Burglary Tools (F-6).

On September 15, 2010 Detectives Henige and Swingle returned to California and arrested both suspects. Both are in custody in California awaiting extradition. One of the suspects is currently serving time in a California prison on an unrelated charge.

Throughout the 18 months of this investigation Sergeant Wilson stayed on top of every phase of this investigation. He provided leadership and direction to his investigators and coordinated meetings with other law enforcement agencies about their similar cases. Sergeant Wilson ensured that evidence was handled properly and timely, and appropriate investigative strategies were implemented. His guidance and leadership throughout the case had a direct impact on the outcome of the investigation.

This case is still under investigation and El Mirage

Police detectives anticipate additional arrests will be made. These same individuals are suspected of committing at least four other similar ATM heists in Arizona and Nevada.

The El Mirage Police Department is very proud of the dedication, professionalism and perseverance displayed by Sergeant Dave Wilson, Crime Scene Specialist Kim Tisdall, Detectives Mike Henige and Dave Swingle in this case. They truly represent the quality of all the men and women of our Police Department.

ELK CLUB: Honors police department, From Page 5


removed from the curb by 6:00 a.m. of the day after collection. Containers shall be stored between collections in such a manner that they are not readily visible from the street.

• The lids or covers of all containers shall, at all times, be kept secure so that flies and other insects may not have access to the contents and

shall only be removed while the containers and receptacles are being f i l l e d , e m p t i e d , o r cleaned.

T h e C i t y o f E l Mirage does not provide trash service but does contract with a refuse company, Pa rks and Sons, for curbside trash pickup. Parks and Sons encourages residents to follow these guidelines so your trash can be picked up quickly and efficiently:

Collection Time: To be sure of service, please have your City of El Mirage barrel(s) out at the curb by 5:30 a.m. on your pick up days as trucks will start collecting at that time.

Bar re l P lacement : The front of the barrel(s) must be facing the street. P lease do no t p lace barrels near vehicles, fences, mailboxes, etc. that might be damaged b y t h e a u t o m a t e d arms (provide at least four feet of clearance in all directions from any obstacle). Placing

barrels near obstacles may prevent your trash from being collected.

Multiple Barrels: If you have two or more barrels , please place them at the street spaced at least four feet apart to leave room for the automated arms to grasp the barrels.

Containment : Bag and tie all trash before placing in the barrel. All trash must be contained in your barrel(s) provided to you by the City of El Mirage and cannot protrude more than one foot beyond the barrel. Overfilled barrels will not be serviced! Customers w i l l b e r e q u i r e d t o partially empty overfilled barrels and a truck will not return until the next r e g u l a r l y s c h e d u l e d collection day. Trash not contained in your City of El Mirage barrel(s) will not be collected.

Unacceptable Waste: Remodeling/construction debris, dirt, rocks, cement, or roofing shingles cannot be taken with the regular collection. If you need

to dispose of these types of items, please contact Customer Service at (623) 974-4791 to make special arrangements (additional charges will apply).

Hazardous Waste: Materials such as motor oils, tires, car batteries, chemicals , and paint cannot be placed in the regular trash as they are considered hazardous. For proper disposal methods, contact Customer Service at (623) 974-4791 or click on the Hazardous Waste link on the website.

L a r g e / B u l k I t e m Disposal: If you have an excessive amount of trash or large items to be disposed of that will not fit in your barrel, please contact Customer Service at (623) 974-4791. We can pick up these items for you; however, there will be an additional charge dependent on the volume, size of item(s), etc.

For more information contact Parks and Sons at (623) 974-4791 or visit their website at www.parksandsons.com

TRASH: From Page 8


Corporate offices, and in many nations including Italy, the Netherlands, Indonesia, Brazil, Japan, A u s t r a l i a , B e l g i u m , and numerous Arabian breeders throughout the United States. Jan has won many awards for her work, her work has been displayed at many shows and galleries, and her work has been featured in numerous publications.

Meet Jan Bullington and view her artwork at a special artist reception from 7PM to 9PM in the Studio Gallery at El Mirage Civic & Cultural Cente r, 14010 N. E l Mirage Road, Suite 202 in El Mirage.

F o r a d d i t i o n a l i n f o r m a t i o n c o n t a c t Kristi Vater at Divine Art Connections, 602-7 9 0 - 8 1 3 3 o r v i s i t divineartconnections@l i v e . c o m , o r w w w.artsmoveelmirage.com

Third ThursdayNov. 18, 5 to 9 PMEl MirageCivic & Cultural Center

On the Third Thursday

of each month, the El Mirage Civic & Cultural Plaza transforms into a diverse array of artists, artisans, entertainers, and purveyors of extraordinary food, snacks and sweets. Add that to an eclectic mix of gallery exhibitions, open studio tours and live entertainment — and the result is one of the West Valley’s most up and coming events!

Th i rd Thursday in November features hip hop dancers, a karaoke contest and a Holiday Cooking Demonstration by Chef Lou Rodriguez.

The Artist in Residence Studio & Gallery will feature paintings by Bruce Charles in an exhibition en t i t l ed “ Id” — the unconscious by definition and the basis for Charles’ work.

The Studio Gallery will showcase a must see environmental exhibit by artist Anthony Galto. The site-specific art installation creatively conveys the artist’s concerns about the envi ronment and raises awareness about

ecological challenges in terms that everyone anywhere understands.

Third Thursday in El Mirage will be held on November 18, 5PM to 9PM at the El Mirage Civic & Cultural Center, 14010 N. El Mirage Road in El Mirage. www.artsmoveelmirage.com

Art Lecture:The Use of Color Nov. 20, 2 to 3 PMCreative Industries Lounge at El Mirage Civic & Cultural Plaza

Kristi Vater, owner of Divine Art Connections, will conduct a casual and informative lecture on the use of color in art, and how that color ties in with your home decor. She will touch on warm and cool colors, the meanings of certain colors, and their effect on mind and emotions. You will learn how to use the influence of color in artwork when decorating your home, and how to tie your current art collection into your home decor.

The “Use of Color

lecture” will be held in the Creative Industries Lounge at the El Mirage Civic & Cultural Center, 14010 N. El Mirage Road, Suite 202 in El Mirage.

F o r a d d i t i o n a l i n f o r m a t i o n c o n t a c t Kristi Vater at Divine Art Connections, 602-7 9 0 - 8 1 3 3 o r v i s i t divineartconnections@l i v e . c o m , o r w w w.artsmoveelmirage.com.

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El Mirage News - November