Community

Teachers head calls CUSD virus policy frustrating

By Ken Sain, Staff Writer As COVID-19 transmission levels continue to rise here, the head of the Chandler Education Association is calling the COVID-19 situation at CUSD schools a mess after the administration announced earlier...

Community steps up to help as CUSD teacher subs

By Ken Sain, Staff Writer On the first day of the new term, Chandler Unified School District’s top administrators headed back to school, ready to step in and teach a class if needed because of a shortage of substitute teachers....

Family trio acquires EV event center at the right time

By Paul Maryniak, Executive Editor Timing can be everything in business and for Charles Cotter and his two children, buying Superstition Manor in Mesa was about as good as any can be. While it caters to a variety of gatherings,...

Chandler teens study peers’ mental health

Santan Sun News Staff For more than 10 years, Chandler residents Chandan and Shamala Chickmenahalli have been working to develop “STEM belongingness” among K-12 children in the Valley. They also are creating learning...

Book recounts a love story amid disability

By Coty Dolores Miranda, Contributor Above all, love. William “Bill” Reed lives by that advice, which he imparts in his first book, “Lessons from a Disabled Caregiver: Thriving Together and Maintaining Independence with...

144 rental homes coming to historic EV farm

Santan Sun News Staff A piece of the East Valley’s most famous farm is being set aside for homes. The Empire Group of Companies of Scottsdale announced last week that it is developing 13 acres of Schnepf Farm in Queen Creek for...

Area massage therapist’s business booms

By Katy Springer,  Contributor Maryann Tidwell does not shy away from hard work – or a challenge. The Gilbert mother and business owner decided to become a massage therapist, juggling her full-time job and 2-year-old son...

Sunset Library working toward full reopening

By Ken Sain, Staff Writer Four months ago today, a gas explosion at a Chandler strip mall forced the Sunset Branch Library to close. It has yet to fully reopen. Library Manager Rachelle Kuzyk says it should be open soon, most...

Sun Lakes Rotary honors teachers, works with kids

Santan Sun News Staff  The Rotary Club of Sun Lakes has had a busy few weeks, naming teachers of the month for November and December and working with kids in two different programs. Paige Green, a special education teacher at...

Chandler libraries still charging late fees

By Ken Sain, Staff Writer Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale and Maricopa County libraries all have dropped the late fee for returning overdue items but Chandler still charges tardy users. But there’s a chance that could end in 2022....