Cecilia Chan
Verified- Managing Editor, Gilbert Sun News
- Senior Reporter, Times Media Group
- Reporter, Ahwatukee Foothills News
Tempe
Times Media
cchan@timeslocalmedia.com
480-898-5613
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Articles by Cecilia Chan
Rezoning for big development in Mesa moving along Original
Mesa City Council will likely approve a rezone of 196 acres later this month in Southeast Mesa that should clear the way for the mix-used Legacy Park development. The Planning and Zoning Board last week voted 7-0 to recommend that Council on Sept. 14 reclassify the property at Ellsworth and Williams Field roads to Planned Community District from Light Industrial. Mesa City Council is expected to approve a rezone that would allow for the development of the 196-acre, mixed-use Legacy Park project.
Sore losers or pundits? outgoing Gilbert councilmen's podcast to debut regardless Original
Lights, camera, action! Gilbert’s two outgoing councilmen are launching the first of what they say will be many satirical podcasts dubbed "The Truth, Half-Truths, Assumptions & Outright Lies," calling it an attempt to “separate facts from fiction” in local politics. Episode 1 uploads online Wednesday, Sept. 2, on epictransparency.com. While Councilman Jim Torgeson and Vice Mayor Chuck Bongiovanni have promoted the podcast well in advance of its debut, public reaction so far have mostly been unkind.
Target pulls controversial southeast Gilbert plan Original
Months after a proposed Target store split the council and the community, the big-box retailer has backed out of coming to Higley Station in southeast Gilbert. The 16.14-acre parcel at the southeast corner of Ocotillo and Higley roads is currently owned by the Basha family through its firm GB Investments Inc. “The Town was informed by someone from Target or the property owners informed the Town that Target is no longer purchasing the property,” Councilman Jim Torgeson said last week.
Mesa ponders mega-project tax reimbursement Original
Mesa is considering as much as $784 million in tax reimbursements reimbursement over 25 years to the developer of what the city calls “the largest mixed-use development” in its history, according to draft documents obtained by the Tribune. City officials, however, were tight-lipped on the deal with developer Vestar and landowner Pacific Proving LLC, even as a group called Concerned Citizens for Mesa is suing the city for agreement details before they’re approved.
Recovery facility files $3.4M claim against Mesa
After exhausting the city's approval process and failing to obtain permission to operate, a recovery house in a residential neighborhood has refiled a claim demanding $3.4 million in damages from Mesa. Legacy Recovery Center in Mesa has hit a brick wall with the city in obtaining a permit to operate. It has filed a claim for damages. The city declined commenting on the claim filed July 6. If after 60 days Mesa doesn't respond or settle, Legacy Recovery Center can then file a lawsuit.
Recovery facility files $3.4M claim against Mesa
After exhausting the city’s approval process and failing to obtain permission to operate, a recovery house in a residential neighborhood has refiled a claim demanding $3.4 million in damages from Mesa. Legacy Recovery Center in Mesa has hit a brick wall with the city in obtaining a permit to operate. It has filed a claim for damages. The city declined commenting on the claim filed July 6. If after 60 days Mesa doesn’t respond or settle, Legacy Recovery Center can then file a lawsuit.
Recovery facility files $3.4M claim against Mesa
After exhausting the city’s approval process and failing to obtain permission to operate, a recovery house in a residential neighborhood has refiled a claim demanding $3.4 million in damages from Mesa. Legacy Recovery Center in Mesa has hit a brick wall with the city in obtaining a permit to operate. It has filed a claim for damages. The city declined commenting on the claim filed July 6. If after 60 days Mesa doesn’t respond or settle, Legacy Recovery Center can then file a lawsuit.
Golf ball to groin triggers $5M claim against Mesa
A man is demanding $5 million from the City of Mesa because a golf ball at the municipal course slammed into his groin on Valentine's Day. According to attorney Thomas Richardson, the incident occurred around 7:30 a.m. Feb. 14 Day at Dobson Ranch Golf Course while Jackson Shelton was practicing shots on a mat. A man wants compensation from Mesa after he was injured by a ricocheting golf ball at the city-owned course. The red arrow points to the pole the ball bounced off.
Gilbert joins suit over fire truck price gouging Original
Gilbert over the years has paid significantly higher prices and experienced excessive delivery delays for its lifesaving fire trucks, prompting the Town to now go after the manufacturers for grossly profiting off the backs of its taxpayers. The Town has filed an antitrust lawsuit against manufacturing giants Rev Group and Oshkosh Corp., their affiliates and their holding companies, accusing them of cornering the market so that they can overcharge for firetrucks and restrict their output.
Golf ball to groin triggers $5M claim against Mesa
A man is demanding $5 million from the City of Mesa because a golf ball at the municipal course slammed into his groin on Valentine’s Day. According to attorney Thomas Richardson, the incident occurred around 7:30 a.m. Feb. 14 Day at Dobson Ranch Golf Course while Jackson Shelton was practicing shots on a mat. A man wants compensation from Mesa after he was injured by a ricocheting golf ball at the city-owned course. The red arrow points to the pole the ball bounced off.
Golf ball to groin triggers $5M claim against Mesa
A man is demanding $5 million from the City of Mesa because a golf ball at the municipal course slammed into his groin on Valentine’s Day. According to attorney Thomas Richardson, the incident occurred around 7:30 a.m. Feb. 14 Day at Dobson Ranch Golf Course while Jackson Shelton was practicing shots on a mat. A man wants compensation from Mesa after he was injured by a ricocheting golf ball at the city-owned course. The red arrow points to the pole the ball bounced off.
Private firm to run Mesa Convention Center, Amphitheater
A private company for the first time will manage and operate the city-owned amphitheater and convention center in hopes that it'll generate revenue to invest in capital improvements and drive more foot traffic and businesses to downtown Mesa. Council in a 5-0 vote last week approved a five-year contract, with renewals, with Legends Global Convention Center Management, LLC, effective Sept. 1.
Private firm to run Mesa Convention Center, Amphitheater
A private company for the first time will manage and operate the city-owned amphitheater and convention center in hopes that it’ll generate revenue to invest in capital improvements and drive more foot traffic and businesses to downtown Mesa. Council in a 5-0 vote last week approved a five-year contract, with renewals, with Legends Global Convention Center Management, LLC, effective Sept. 1.
More water woes may await Gilbert in 2027
Gilbert residents may be asked to voluntarily use less water at the beginning of next year and could be issued citations if they repeatedly waste it. The Town is leaning toward activating Stage 2 of its Water Supply Reduction Management Plan as it anticipates a 20% cut from the drought-depleted Colorado River.
More water woes may await Gilbert in 2027
Gilbert residents may be asked to voluntarily use less water at the beginning of next year and could be issued citations if they repeatedly waste it. The Town is leaning toward activating Stage 2 of its Water Supply Reduction Management Plan as it anticipates a 20% cut from the drought-depleted Colorado River.
Council approves results of Mesa election Original
Mesa Council last week unanimously approved the official tally of the July 21 primary that saw two seats decided and one headed for a run-off. It was a low voter turnout at 27.99%. Just 41,873 voters out of 149,553 registered voters across the three council districts cast ballots. Reportedly this year’s primary election in Arizona saw the lowest voter turnout since 2008. The majority, or nearly 87%, of Mesa voters cast their ballots early in the three council races.
Gilbert debates tough data center regulations Original
Gilbert planning staff is proposing more stringent regulations on data centers that include limiting them to Light Industrial- and General Industrial-zoned lands, requiring a 650-foot setback from residential and banning the use of drinking water for their cooling systems. Some council members at last week’s study session, however, didn’t think they went far enough. Council is expected to vote on the amendments to the town’s land development code either Sept. 1 or Sept. 15.
Mesa to sue over fire truck prices
Mesa is going after major fire apparatus manufacturers for allegedly colluding to drive up the cost of fire trucks and extending delivery times. Council last week without comment agreed to retain legal counsel to sue the manufacturers, namely REV Group, LLC and Oshkosh Corporation. Mayor Mark Freeman and Councilman Francisco Heredia were absent. Mesa council last week gave the green light for the city to sue two major fire truck manufacturers, accusing them of working together to drive up costs.
Mesa to sue over fire truck prices
Mesa is going after major fire apparatus manufacturers for allegedly colluding to drive up the cost of fire trucks and extending delivery times. Council last week without comment agreed to retain legal counsel to sue the manufacturers, namely REV Group, LLC and Oshkosh Corporation. Mayor Mark Freeman and Councilman Francisco Heredia were absent. Mesa council last week gave the green light for the city to sue two major fire truck manufacturers, accusing them of working together to drive up costs.
Mesa to sue over fire truck prices
Mesa is going after major fire apparatus manufacturers for allegedly colluding to drive up the cost of fire trucks and extending delivery times. Council last week without comment agreed to retain legal counsel to sue the manufacturers, namely REV Group, LLC and Oshkosh Corporation. Mayor Mark Freeman and Councilman Francisco Heredia were absent. Mesa council last week gave the green light for the city to sue two major fire truck manufacturers, accusing them of working together to drive up costs.
Surf’s up – so is Mesa's support for Cannon Beach
Council is expected Monday to approve a notice of intent to reimburse sales tax to the Cannon Beach developer for putting in public infrastructure related to a planned high-end hotel on the southeast Mesa site. Mesa is taking steps to do a sales tax reimbursement with Cannon Beach for public infrastructure surrounding a planned luxury hotel on site, pictured in the rendering.
Gilbert surf park belly flops as developer walks away Original
Cactus Surf Park, which once promised a sandy beach and state-of-the art wave technology for surfing, has belly flopped in southeast Gilbert. The 25-acre project, a public-private partnership first announced in 2019, is no more. White Water West Industries, a Canadian company that builds water attractions, has walked away from a deal with the Town of Gilbert.
Surf’s up – so is Mesa's support for Cannon Beach
Council is expected Monday to approve a notice of intent to reimburse sales tax to the Cannon Beach developer for putting in public infrastructure related to a planned high-end hotel on the southeast Mesa site. Mesa is taking steps to do a sales tax reimbursement with Cannon Beach for public infrastructure surrounding a planned luxury hotel on site, pictured in the rendering.
Gilbert Council ratifies July 21 election results
It’s official: Beth Goulden, Bill Spence, Joel Coen and Bus Obayomi will take their seats on Gilbert City Council in January. Council in a special meeting Aug. 4 unanimously accepted Maricopa County Elections’ final tally from the July 21 primary. Goulden led with an official count of 24,560 ballots; Spence, 22,732; Coen, 22,358 and Obayomi, 20,942. Incumbents Chuck Bongiovanni garnered 18,979; Jim Torgeson, 18,321 and Bobbi Buchli, 13,105 in the nonpartisan election.
Hawes Crossing in Mesa seeks 73 more acres for homes Original
The Planning and Zoning Board will hold a second public hearing Aug. 12 on a proposal to convert 73 acres zoned for business use to housing instead at the Hawes Crossing master-planned community in southeast Mesa. No one from the public at the hearing July 29 spoke on the application for a major General Plan Amendment and rezoning.
Gilbert Council ratifies July 21 election results
It’s official: Beth Goulden, Bill Spence, Joel Coen and Bus Obayomi will take their seats on Gilbert City Council in January. Council in a special meeting Aug. 4 unanimously accepted Maricopa County Elections’ final tally from the July 21 primary. Goulden led with an official count of 24,560 ballots; Spence, 22,732; Coen, 22,358 and Obayomi, 20,942. Incumbents Chuck Bongiovanni garnered 18,979; Jim Torgeson, 18,321 and Bobbi Buchli, 13,105 in the nonpartisan election.
Project on old Tri-City site in Mesa could get tax break Original
City Council this month will consider a temporary property tax waiver for a mixed-use project with 191 residential units that’s more than half-way built in Mesa’s Asian District. The 279,703-square-foot luxury Ovio complex, with ground-floor retail, will offer studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom options. The five-story Ovio with 5,700 square feet of ground-floor commercial broke ground in May 2023 and is being built adjacent to the Sycamore light rail station at Main Street and Dobson Road.
Mesa says it’s prepared for deep Colorado River cuts Original
Although over half of Mesa’s drinking water comes from the Colorado River, the city says it’s “well-positioned” to handle anticipated deep cuts to Arizona’s supply. Over half of Mesa’s water portfolio is supplied by the Colorado River. The city anticipates cuts in its supply as Arizona is poised to receive less.
Gilbert taking steps to regulate commercial drones Original
Gilbert is taking steps to regulate commercial delivery drones, including a requirement that they stay 150 feet away from residential areas. Draft text amendments to the town’s Land Development Code were presented at last week’s Planning Commission study session. The commission on Sept. 2 will vote on a recommendation to the council. Gilbert would be the second East Valley municipality after Mesa to tackle regulating unmanned aircraft.
Mesa again delays Falcon Field landing fees
Mesa is delaying charging pilots disputed landing fees at Falcon Field Airport for 90 days, after its outside legal counsel asked for more time to review them and come up with a recommendation. Council members last week voted 6-1 for the postponement, the third since they approved the charges in March.
Mesa shop gets a chance to finally operate legally
An automotive repair shop in West Mesa will be able to keep its doors open after inadvertently operating illegally for two years. Despite neighborhood opposition, City Council last week voted 4-3 to grant San Antonio Tire Shop’s requests for a rezone and minor General Plan amendment, bringing the business into compliance.
Mesa shop gets a chance to finally operate legally
An automotive repair shop in West Mesa will be able to keep its doors open after inadvertently operating illegally for two years. Despite neighborhood opposition, City Council last week voted 4-3 to grant San Antonio Tire Shop’s requests for a rezone and minor General Plan amendment, bringing the business into compliance.
Mesa approves commercial drone limits
Mesa is trying to protect neighborhoods by getting ahead of a state law with the adoption of regulations on commercial drones, including where they can land and how far they can be from homes. Gov. Katie Hobbs in June inked House Bill 2875, which prevents local municipalities and counties from enforcing unique local regulations regarding the ownership or operation of unmanned aircraft or drones and commercial drone delivery systems. The law takes effect next month.
Mesa approves commercial drone limits Original
Mesa is trying to protect neighborhoods by getting ahead of a state law with the adoption of regulations on commercial drones, including where they can land and how far they can be from homes. Gov. Katie Hobbs in June inked House Bill 2875, which prevents local municipalities and counties from enforcing unique local regulations regarding the ownership or operation of unmanned aircraft or drones and commercial drone delivery systems. The law takes effect next month.
Mesa Council approves SROs for 16 schools
The City of Mesa will station school resource officers at 16 Mesa Public Schools campuses despite an MPS Governing Board candidate’s concerns with the contract. Mesa Council last week voted 5-0, with Mayor Mark Freeman and Councilwoman Alicia Goforth absent, to approve an agreement with Mesa Public Schools for School Resource officers at 13 campuses. The Arizona Department of Education provided the funding to pay their salaries.
Mesa Council approves SROs for 16 schools
The City of Mesa will station school resource officers at 16 Mesa Public Schools campuses despite an MPS Governing Board candidate’s concerns with the contract. Mesa Council last week voted 5-0, with Mayor Mark Freeman and Councilwoman Alicia Goforth absent, to approve an agreement with Mesa Public Schools for School Resource officers at 13 campuses. The Arizona Department of Education provided the funding to pay their salaries.
Mesa Council wants grants used for city priorities
Mesa plans to redirect all three of its social services grants it receives from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development toward projects that more closely align with city priorities. Council, led by Mayor Mark Freeman in March, signaled a desire to shift the federal dollars for council-stated priorities such as revitalization, code compliance and neighborhood safety.
Mesa OKs FBI pact over citizen objections Original
Mesa will partner with the Federal Bureau of Investigation to go after drug traffickers, murderers and other dangerous criminals, despite opposition from some residents already wary of the city’s agreement with Immigration Customers Enforcement. Council last week wholeheartedly approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to participate in the FBI’s Phoenix Safe Streets Task Force, which includes other Valley law enforcement agencies that pool their resources to tackle violent crime.
Goforth, Willis appear to be election winners in Mesa Original
Councilwoman Alicia Goforth appeared to have won last Tuesday’s Primary Election representing Northeast Mesa while newcomer Nick Willis seemed likely to claim the seat representing downtown, according to Maricopa County Elections’ unofficial count. Incumbents Scott Somers, who had no competition, and Alicia Goforth as well as newcomer Nick Willis, appeared to be the winners last week in the Mesa City Council primary elections.
Boeing plans expansion of Mesa operation
Boeing plans to expand its existing manufacturing capabilities in northeast Mesa with a building addition that’s nearly the size of five football fields. The Mesa Design Review Board in last week’s study session liked the aerospace and defense giant’s proposal, which heads to the Planning and Zoning Board on July 22.
Boeing plans expansion of Mesa operation
Boeing plans to expand its existing manufacturing capabilities in northeast Mesa with a building addition that's nearly the size of five football fields. The Mesa Design Review Board in last week's study session liked the aerospace and defense giant's proposal, which heads to the Planning and Zoning Board on July 22. This is a rendering of Boeing's proposed expansion of its campus in Mesa with a 267,761-square-foot manufacturing facility.
Boeing plans expansion of Mesa operation Original
Boeing plans to expand its existing manufacturing capabilities in northeast Mesa with a building addition that’s nearly the size of five football fields. The Mesa Design Review Board in last week’s study session liked the aerospace and defense giant’s proposal, which heads to the Planning and Zoning Board on July 22. This is a rendering of Boeing’s proposed expansion of its campus in Mesa with a 267,761-square-foot manufacturing facility.
Goforth, Willis take early leads in Mesa Council race
Councilwoman Alicia Goforth held a comfortable lead in her bid to retain her Northeast Mesa seat while Nick Willis was ahead in the race to represent the downtown in Tuesday’s primary, according to Maricopa County Election’s initial unofficial vote drop. Councilman Scott Somers ran unopposed in his Southeast Mesa District. Only voters in council districts where there is a race can cast a ballot for their respective candidate.
Goforth, Willis take early leads in Mesa Council race
Councilwoman Alicia Goforth held a comfortable lead in her bid to retain her Northeast Mesa seat while Nick Willis was ahead in the race to represent the downtown in Tuesday's primary, according to Maricopa County Election's initial unofficial vote drop. Councilman Scott Somers ran unopposed in his Southeast Mesa District. Only voters in council districts where there is a race can cast a ballot for their respective candidate.
Bongiovanni led race for campaign cash Original
Councilman Chuck Bongiovanni led the money race with a sizable personal loan for his July 21 primary bid for a second term on Gilbert Town Council. Bongiovanni, who with six other candidates are vying for four open seats in the nonpartisan race, garnered $38,000 in the latest campaign finance report filed last week for a total of $78,000 in his war chest. Councilwoman Yung Koprowski is not running for re-election.
Cash flowed in Mesa Council campaigns Original
As the sole council candidate facing a challenge, Alicia Goforth is leading in the money race for her campaign to keep her northeast Mesa seat, according to second quarter spending reports filed last week. Goforth squares off against challengers Aleks Vranicic, Ryan Blakeman, Amanda Jones and Danny Hart in the nonpartisan July 21 primary. Only voters living in the council districts where there is a race can cast a ballot.
Gilbert Council races barrel to the finish line Original
It’s down to the wire for the nonpartisan Gilbert City Council election in Tuesday’s Primary Election with three incumbents facing an uphill battle to keep their seats from four challengers. Ongoing outrage over the town’s soaring water bills is prompting voters to call for a changing of the guard on the dais as Council members Chuck Bongiovanni, Jim Torgeson and Bobbi Buchli seek another four-year term.
Mesa Council primary barrels to finish line
Two new faces could be joining Mesa City Council following the outcome of this Tuesday’s primary election. Three nonpartisan seats are on the ballot for Districts 4, 5 and 6. Councilman Scott Somers is guaranteed a second term as he is unchallenged for this southeast Mesa seat in District 6. District 4, however, has no incumbent running as Jenn Duff is termed out of office. Voters in that district, which includes the downtown area, will decide between political newcomers Ray Johnson and Nick Willis.
When dementia becomes nobody’s problem
LAST week, I attended a geriatric conference in Kuala Lumpur. During a conversation with a highly respected and compassionate geriatrician, she shared something that has stayed with me. Her hospital’s CEO had instructed her to spend no more than 10 minutes with each patient because, in today’s healthcare system, time is money. Ten minutes. How can anyone properly assess an older person in 10 minutes, let alone someone living with dementia? Dementia assessment is not a checklist.
Ex Mesa High athletic director wants $750K from city Original
Former Mesa High School Athletic Director David Klecka has filed a $750,000 claim against the city over a police report with “false and misleading information” that cost him his job and damaged his professional reputation. Klecka, a popular educator, and former Mesa High Principal Kirk Thomas were both accused of failing to report a student assault that allegedly involved a gun. Mesa Public Schools Governing Board voted Jan. 12 to not renew the contracts of both men, who were put on paid leave.
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