If you know anything about Mesa Grande, you know the synergy of this group and the energy produced because of it. Mesa Grande has been a revitilization factor in the west Mesa area. This is truly a team made up of individuals that care about their neighborhood and how it continues to develop. If you want to see them in action and meet these residents, it’s possible!Mesa Grande has a general memberhsip meeting tonight, February 28 at 7:00PM, across from ER at Banner Mesa. Topics are:1. Criminal Activity Update
Archive for February, 2006Chicago Cubs - Free Fan Fest!February 28th, 2006, 2:12 pm by SharonI love baseball, especially when our own Diamondbacks are playing in the World Series. The Chicago Cubs are a great team as well; last year I watched as they trained right here in Mesa, in our wonderful AZ weather. How fortunate we are to be able to attend a FREE Fan Fest day!It all happens after the Chicago Cubs play against the Colorado Rockies at the Hohokam Stadium. It will be the 10th annual Chicago Cubs Fan Fest, lots of collectable items, some autographed, will be given away.Monday afternoon, March 13, at the Mesa Amphitheater where activities are scheduled from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Food and music are all part of the festivities. This sounds like a fun, enjoyable time with family and friends, to usher in the baseball season!How fortunate to have the Cubs here as regular visitors, and all those that play throughout the year. I know many that look forward to the Cubs return and Fan Fest each year. Grass Roots Campaign MeetsFebruary 27th, 2006, 2:37 pm by Sharon45 DAYS UNTIL EARLY VOTING BEGINS … 78 DAYS UNTIL ELECTION DAY!A Grassroots Campaign, Committee and supporters are beginnng to really get underway! A meeting is planned where updates on their efforts and materials will be distributed. Attendance is very important to the next meeting. Date, time, and agenda….Vic Linoff, a Grass Roots Campaign Committee member provided this information and Agenda. What a great opportunity!!! I encourage those interested in helping support Mesa in obtaining a stable revenue source, to participate in a group that is mobilized to help Mesa! Important Grass Roots meeting!Grass Roots Campaign Committe Wednesday, March 1, 20067:00pmMesa Chamber of Commerce OfficesAgenda1. Welcome & Introductions2. Update on the Yes for Mesa! campaign since our last meeting - Paul Bentz, High Ground (Website, talking points, fundraising, timelines, etc.)3. Speakers Bureau training - set date4. Discussion items from previous meeting5. a. Presentation on legal issues regarding 501(c)3%u2019sb. Identify official spokespersonc. Organize district leaders6. Activity reports from committee members 7. Committee comments and future agenda items 8. Set Next Meeting date9. AdjournmentYou may be interested to know who some of the committee members are: Dr. Debra Duvall - Co-Chair Superintendent of the Mesa Public Schools and Past President of Mesa United Way.Honorable John Giles - Co-Chair A local attorney, former Mesa City Councilmember and former vice-mayor. East Mesa Meets West MesaFebruary 26th, 2006, 10:16 pm by SharonI read Dave Richin’s thoughts regarding east Mesa looking like west Mesa in the years to come with interest, realizing the truth in what he says.I was happy to see the emerging west Mesa come to life and do so much to bring about the Riverview Project. I was in full support and I’m looking forward to visiting and shopping there.I know the blogger’s keep on top of issues in west Mesa and for the city as a whole. I’m wondering why everyone doesn’t give their support to our hometown newspaper - The Tribune - part of or close to the west Mesa area. It would be great to support the Tribune’s efforts and help the City of Mesa with your views on this site.Thanks for considering it and giving some thought to using the Tribune to get the word out for all of Mesa.Bob Parker recently posted a link but is not writing on the blog. I recently saw Bob at a District 5 Town Hall meeting which was great! Support for all areas in our city by all of us is important. Each one of you have so much to offer, I wonder how we could come together and all benefit from our interest in Mesa and it’s success.The blog page can be accessed on the Tribune’s website, then go to Community Blog on the right hand column. If anyone wants to be part of this let me know!Sharon Corea And the Web they Weave goes on…..February 25th, 2006, 9:42 pm by SharonA response from Stephen Reed disagrees with my view on taxes and continues his conversation which he hopes you buy as fact…or perhaps he just didn’t do his homework, which I suspect. Reed gets an F for failing to present a true picture.Allow me to list the errors in his comments.I am no longer serving on the City of Mesa Human Relations Advisory Board.As a volunteer on the board, I (or anyone else) NEVER approached the topic of money and has no authority to spend a penny.The Day Labor Sub-Committee is actually a seperate committee comprised of a Regional Human Relations Advisory group which consists of other neighboring city participation. Like Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, and Mesa. We usually met in the Tempe Library Board Room.The first Day Labor Public Forum, hosted by Chandler in the Chandler Public Library Conference Room was hosted by Chandler. Media was there, I saw nothing that suggested money spent. This was a free public meeting that had been a continuous topic for many cities. There was an attempt to educate, view the perspectives of many diffent people, to bring about an understanding of a need…not only in the SE Valley but in AZ and elsewhere. There was a follow-up meeting to determine how to best go about bringing resolution.The Day Labor Subcommittee discussed hosting an education forum that would focus on two Federal immigration bills. There were no costs to Mesa representatives in these meeting in Tempe. The 2 Federal Immigration Bills were two formulated by Senators J.D. Hayworth, John McCain.The subcommittee for marketing and outreach were from a volunteer committee to think of ways to get the word out.Who is asking for police, fire, ranger salary cuts you say…it will happen and is happening because we are understaffed in our police department. I just heard from two motorcycle officers who said there are 17 in Mesa. The City of Fresno who has the same demographics, population, etc. has 87. I also was priveleged to listen to an expect in this field who said no company ever moved to a city because of their tax rate. Ask yourself, why are so many big businesses going to our neighboring cities? Perhaps they know Mesa has folks in it that don’t care to invest in our economy.Are you saying Scott Somers does not have a better understanding of public safety issues than the average person who is not a firefighter? Doesn’t make sense.As you can see, Mr. Reed’s commentary under "Somers is Smokin’ " has no truth in his statements, just sound bites to get someone to listen. Thom does it again!!February 24th, 2006, 8:26 am by SharonWhy me? I’ve been asking myself…..or I should say, why us? Mrs. Thom has really done it this time. Not only to the City of Mesa, a huge continual concern with the usual devastating outcomes, but for ordinary people like me who want to be take pride in the accomplishments our District Councilmember makes.I am still in shock over Thom’s actions regarding Williams Gateway, allowing a homebuilder to come in, build a tract of homes in the airport’s runway path, and throw out the greatest potential District 6 has and what Williams Gateway can do economically for the City of Mesa. I remember Janie Thom making a public statement just before this Council vote, that Williams Gateway is the "shining star" (a phrase I have used to describe Williams Gateway/ASU Polytechnic) in Southeast Mesa, her very own District. Have you been listening to Tom Rawles? My goodness, I guess two is company. There’s not much more to say. That sinking feeling is still there, realizing the councilmember in my own district, who touts the wonderful ambitions for our future around Williams Gateway, just does not make sense. Bingo! Call it the Council buddy system, I can’t find the words to express my disappointment; I’m stunned and cannot believe the people we put our trust in to make decisions for the whole city, who should be able to set aside their own personal views and/or dislikes, really doesn’t have Mesa’s best interest in mind. Shredded by "O!"February 20th, 2006, 9:43 am by SharonI would have to agree with a recent article by John MacDonald and his views regarding Oprah Winfrey and her last interview with author James Frey, A Million Little Pieces. Particularly because the two almost share the last name: Frey and Winfrey. What does Frey mean according Webster?"Frey - the Norse god of fertility, crops, peace, and prosperity". Perhaps both seeking more, reaching for more fame, believing all things are possible with money, pleasing the masses, doing what one must do to be the winner.I watched that interview when Oprah called in to validate James Frey on CNN’s Larry King. A short lived victory for a man with words and a story that riveted many, so I’m told. Then I watched the emasculation of a man on television with sadness, as the one with the most to lose apparently bowed down to her fans who were not pleased that she supported an auther whose "true story" was not completely accurate. I thought to myself as I watched the disbelief and horror on his face, that his hope, his very identity doesn’t slip away completely.I witnessed this same action on one of Winfrey’s interviews a couple of years ago when a woman was brought back to "say the right words" to protect O’s image. The woman looked perplexed, wondering what happened here as if to say "what did I say that I was made out to be some sort of monster". It seemed her words previously spoken had now been twisted and reframed to exalt Oprah to her usual place. I felt such empathy for this woman that I wrote Oprah a letter with my unapproved comments of how she buried this fragil woman before the world. I never heard back, of course. MCC Highlights Downtown CampusFebruary 18th, 2006, 1:02 am by SharonThe Tribune’s coverage of the MCC’s current initiatives presented at the MCC Business & Industry Institute gave accurate highlights of what’s to come. I was honored to have been invited, and attended with great anticipation for - The Mesa Community College Downtown Campus "Putting the Pieces Together" presentation earlier this month.The 15th Semi-Annual Meeting - Commission on Excellence in Education, was exceptional! The highlights of growth and partnership coincide with "MCC For The 21st Century: 4 Campuses. Imagine - 1. MCC at Southern and Dobson - Comprehensive2. MCC at Red Mountain - Comprehensive3. MCC Downtown Campus AND Partnership Programs - Advanced Technology, Community Learning, Health and Public Safety.4. MCC Virtual Campus Online - Internet Courses, Worldwide Delivery.Speakers of distinction included Dr. John D. Haeger, NAU President retired (well known for their internet program success), Chief Harry Beck, City of Mesa Fire Department - Fire Science Collaborative, Brent Cope, Chief Executive Officer, Mesa General Hospital/IASIS - Health Care Collaborative, Deputy City Manager Debra Dollar, City of Mesa - Library Collaborative - I am excited about this one and the others! Think of the possibilities and influence possible in partnering with this group!Dr. Larry K. Christiansen, President, MCC provided an overview and vision of the possibilities, the reality of an urban MCC Campus and a commitment to community alliances. What a boost for the City of Mesa, its citizens, up and coming leaders, and life long learners who are looking for the training and education necessary to advance or enhance their job skills.Several students received scholarships, many more donated toward future scholarship funding. I was amazed at the instant generosity of so many individuals. Chris Brady, Mesa City Manager added his remarks toward MCC’s efforts, Barbara Carpenter, Chair, Commission on Excellence in Education facilitated this excellent event, Jared Langkilde, MCC recognized as an integral part for this work, along with appreciation and support of Deb Duvall, Superintendent, Mesa Public Schools.Phil Austin, President, MAHC (Mesa Association of Hispanic Citizens) gave us an update of the 2nd Annual Mesa Minority & Small Business Symposium coming up on Wednesday, March 8, 2006, also held at the MCC Downtown Center.It was an enjoyable, fulfilling experience - and luncheon - to be part of and see the community come together to hold up and value the importance of our education and higher educational systems. The Skinniest CowFebruary 17th, 2006, 11:11 pm by SharonJohn Giles, former Mesa Vice Mayor and Councilmember, supports a steady revenue source for the City of Mesa, a Primary property tax. He seemed to be the shining ray of light at last evening’s LD 19 meeting in east Mesa. His description and analogy for those that want to remain the cheapest town to live in as "The Skinniest Cow" was a vivid enough picture for me!Jared Langkilde, LD 19 Chair, lead a panel of four on a discussion of a primary property tax for Mesa. Two for and two opposed. Clear diagrams were on display comparing Mesa to other Valley cities, including Phoenix who tops us all at over 33% for the cost of government. Tom Jenny, Executive Director, AZ Federation of Taxpayers was present to defend his stand on no primary property tax. Why Phoenix? Where would Phoenix be today if they had not taken chances, perhaps too far reaching and not a place I would want to go, but I’m certain Phoenix is very proud of what they’ve done to be on top and stay on top, but not without a cost! Councilmember Tom Rawles also present, spoke against a primary property tax, stating he had a plan with the cuts of programs or waste that he viewed as unnecessary in the city’s budget (where’s the diagram?), quoting scripture which I believe was I Corinthians 9:4-10. "Workers deserve their wage, we are to care for our pastors, teachers, and other spiritual leaders, it is our duty to see that those that serve us are adequately and fairly compensated". I like that scripture because it goes along with what is also expected of us: to respect our leaders, our government, those that serve us, and enforce the laws in our city; placed there to govern an orderly community.Eric Jackson, speaking boldly as a politician in life and at heart, supports the primary property tax. He served on the "Financing the Future 2025 Committee", opposing the tax at first, but as the process began he changed his mind realizing the dire situation the city is in.The last 10 minutes of our meeting gave District 6 incumbant and District 6 candidate, a chance to talk about their platform. Councilmember Janie Thom spoke about her accomplishments, the greatest one apart from City Council - an Eminent Domain issue she was successful in defeating a couple of years ago. Others included a fast growing population in District 6, supporting her constituents, roads, education, business - encouraged to have Councilmember Rawles on the City Council to be another voice of influence who shares many of the same views. Supportive with a big endorsement for our new City Manager Chris Brady, achknowledging she is pleased to have him on board. Her desire is to continue, move ahead with no primary property tax, believing we already have the resources to continue without it.Scott Somers, District 6 candidate running as her opponent, spoke of his desire to support and advance Mesa; to keep it the great community it is. For families, to safeguard the quality of life, public safety, hopes of strategic partnerships - develop Williams Gateway as a business hub, utilizing the programs at ASU Polytechnic in conjunction with small business - their budget, funding, and resources, bringing them to a point of success and stability in the community. He East Valley Neighborhood SummitFebruary 17th, 2006, 2:36 pm by SharonMaricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas is coming to the East Valley to sponsor a FREE East Valley Neighborhood Summit on March 18, 2006, 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. available to the first 500 - You must register now!! A champion of crime prevention, his highest priority is holding criminals accountable for the crimes they commit against people and the community. As the fifth largest prosecutorial office in the United States, Andrew Thomas is responsible for the prosecution of more than 40,000 criminal cases each year. Maricopa County Attorney Thomas says "As chief prosecutor for Maricopa County, I invite you to participate in our first Neighborhood Summit". The East Valley Summit will be held at the Word of Grace Church, 655 E. University Drive, Mesa, AZ - and will positively impact your lives for the better!"The Maricopa County Attorney |