SE Valley Times

There were 6,659 Tempe School District students who took the AASA Math test in the 2022-23 school year, according to the Arizona Department of Education.

Mesa Invites Residents to Share Stories About Heritage Neighborhoods

Mesa, AZ - May 2, 2024 - The City of Mesa Historic Preservation Office is calling on residents to share their stories and memories about the Heritage Neighborhoods of Lehi and Washington-Escobedo. The community is invited to participate in two upcoming meetings to offer their testimonies, which will be used to create engaging digital story maps that showcase the rich history of these neighborhoods.According to the City of Mesa Historic Preservation Office, the aim is to gather resident testimonies that will be incorporated into interactive maps featuring images, videos,...

Tempe Community Salutes Event Honors Future Military Service Members

The City of Tempe, AZ, is gearing up to celebrate young individuals who have chosen to serve their country in the armed forces at the upcoming 10th Annual Tempe Community Salutes event.Councilmember and Tempe Union High School District Governing Board Member, Berdetta Hodge, expressed her pride and excitement for the event, stating, "As both a Councilmember and a school board member, I have watched this group of students excel as they have matured into young adults, ready to serve our great nation. I’m excited to congratulate and honor them at Tempe Community Salutes."...

Celebrate Golden Neighbors' third birthday

CHANDLER, Ariz. — The City of Chandler’s Golden Neighbors program is hosting a birthday celebration in honor of the program’s third year of serving Chandler’s senior residents. The celebration will be held on Wednesday, May 15, from 9:30 - 11 a.m. at Chandler City Hall Mezzanine, 175 S. Arizona Ave.Chandler’s golden community is encouraged to join the celebration and meet staff from the Chandler CARES Team, Chandler Police, Chandler Public Library, Senior Center, and Neighborhood Programs Office. According to the City of Chandler, attendees can learn more about their...

AASA/ACT: How many Mesa Unified District students passed their Math tests during 2022-23 school year?

There were 28,558 Mesa Unified District students who took the AASA/ACT Math test in the 2022-23 school year, according to the Arizona Department of Education.

Arizona Heat Awareness Week: Tempe cooling center sites open citywide

Tempe, AZ - With temperatures soaring above 100 degrees in the Valley, the City of Tempe has taken proactive measures to ensure the well-being of its residents as the summer heat approaches.In response to the scorching temperatures, the city has opened cooling center sites citywide and deployed a mobile cooling trailer to provide additional assistance, especially to individuals experiencing homelessness. As part of the initiative, Tempe is also urging residents who require aid with rent, utility bills, or emergency home repairs to avail themselves of the available...

Congressman Biggs Issues Statement on House’s Passage of Antisemitism Measure

Today, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 6090, the Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2023. Congressman Biggs, a key figure in the debate, expressed his views on the matter. Biggs stated, "I oppose antisemitism in all its forms. The pro-Hamas, pro-genocide, anti-Israel events happening across the nation are sickening and should be condemned in the strongest fashion."Regarding the bill itself, Biggs criticized it, saying, "But this bill is little more than an effort to score political points and is so poorly drafted that it violates the Constitution and could have...

City of Tempe, AZ to Host Free Youth Job and Volunteer Fair this Saturday

The City of Tempe, AZ is gearing up to host a free youth job and volunteer fair this Saturday, May 4, aimed at providing opportunities for individuals between the ages of 14 to 24. The event is a collaboration between the City's College Connect program and ARIZONA@WORK-Maricopa County, offering a platform for young participants to engage with potential employers and organizations.As per the City of Tempe, the fair will feature representation from over 15 employers across various industries, including ProEm, Kid Zone, Aramark, Burger Rush, Jack in the Box, Tempe Aquatics,...

Mesa Police Department to Conduct DUI Enforcement Activities for Cinco de Mayo Weekend

The Mesa Police Department (MPD) has announced that they will be conducting DUI enforcement activities this weekend in support of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) Cinco de Mayo DUI Task Force. The enforcement activities will take place from Friday, May 3, until Sunday, May 5, with emphasized hours from 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. all nights.According to the MPD, the Cinco de Mayo DUI Task Force is an annual local enforcement activity aimed at removing impaired drivers from the roadway and creating safer streets throughout the valley. The primary goal is to decrease the...

Improvements coming to Downtown Chandler

CHANDLER, Ariz. – Construction for three capital improvement projects is now underway in Downtown Chandler. Work on Boston Street, Wall Street, and the City Hall parking lot are expected to be completed in fall 2024.Starting the week of May 6, the City of Chandler will begin reconstructing Boston Street on the east side of Arizona Avenue from San Marcos Place to California Street. According to the City of Chandler, "A new drop-off zone will support area restaurants and shopping, along with the addition of parallel parking on the north side of the street and the angled...

Tempe History Museum Hosts Exciting Lineup of Events in May

Tempe History Museum welcomed a diverse range of events for the month of May, from free musical performances to insightful discussions and more. The museum's calendar was packed with engaging activities for visitors to enjoy.A highlight of the month was the free musical performances held at the museum, including a dynamic evening featuring two bands, Pijama Piyama and What If We’re Robots. According to the event description, Pijama Piyama is known for starting the party and bringing people to the dance floor, while What If We’re Robots offers a unique blend of Sci-Fi...

Kyrene Elementary District students and their AASA Math performance in 2022-23 school year

By SE Valley Times | Apr 30, 2024

There were 9,587 Kyrene Elementary District students who took the AASA Math test in the 2022-23 school year, according to the Arizona Department of Education.

Project Connect in Tempe Assists 120 Unsheltered Individuals in a Single Day

By SE Valley Times | Apr 30, 2024

Tempe, AZ - Last week's Project Connect event in Tempe proved to be a success as nearly 120 unsheltered individuals and families received assistance with life-changing resources. The event, organized by Keys to Change in partnership with University Presbyterian Church, aimed to provide support to those in need.Among the guests in attendance were people from different walks of life, including seniors, families with young children, and individuals seeking housing and job opportunities. One of the attendees, Trent, expressed his needs for a sober living home, employment, and...

Gilbert Unified District students and their AASA/ACT Math performance in 2022-23 school year

There were 16,842 Gilbert Unified District students who took the AASA/ACT Math test in the 2022-23 school year, according to the Arizona Department of Education.

Examining 2020 Presidential Election voter turnout in Southeastern City of Chandler: Precinct Veterans Oasis

With less than 12 months until the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election, a SE Valley Times analysis of Arizona voter history data shows 1,390 voters in Southeastern City of Chandler: Precinct Veterans Oasis cast ballots four years ago, in 2020.

Mesa Commercial Customers Can Take Advantage of Increased Grass-to-Xeriscape and Landscape Irrigation Incentives

The City of Mesa has announced increased incentive amounts for grass-to-Xeriscape conversions, inviting its commercial customers to take advantage of the opportunity. According to Marc Heirshberg, Deputy City Manager, the city is dedicated to fostering sustainable communities in Mesa and is excited to empower non-residential customers to conserve water resources through these incentives."We are dedicated to fostering sustainable communities in Mesa and are excited to increase our incentive offerings to our non-residential customers, empowering them to conserve our...

Tempe Expands Affordable Housing and Homeless Shelter Options

Tempe City Council recently took action to expand affordable housing and amenities in the Apache Corridor, as well as create a new shelter option for those experiencing homelessness. LaVictoria Commons, a new housing development near Apache Boulevard and the Price 101 Freeway, will provide affordable rental and homeownership opportunities. According to the city, the project is part of the Hometown for All initiative aimed at increasing affordable housing in Tempe.In addition to the housing development, the city also purchased the 58-room Apache Inn to serve as a shelter...

Free Transit Rides Offered to Tempe Youth