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ESTRELLA HIKING TRAILS
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Estrella Foothills Football Schedule
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ESTRELLA FOOTHILLS HOMECOMING AND PARADE
SEPTEMBER 23rd 4-10PM
Maricopa County and the Aedes aegypti mosquito
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A REALLY GOOD REASON TO KEEP STANDING WATER OUT OF YOUR YARD
Maricopa County says the exotic species of mosquito - known as Aedes aegypti or the "Yellow Fever Mosquito" - was first detected in Tempe... and is now in Estrella.
You probably didn't hear about it. Another reason why we wish local media would cover council meetings. But I digress. |
John Townsend, Vector Control Division Manager with Maricopa County Environmental Services, presented to Goodyear City Council April 24, 2017. He says the Aedes aegypti is a new mosquito that has not been in Maricopa County in roughly 15 years.
You can find his presentation here.
“It takes a very small amount of water for this mosquito to go through its life cycle,” Townsend explains. The Aedes aegypti lays single eggs all over the place over a period of days. Once hatched, their lifespan is about 2 weeks to a month or more according to the County's website.
Maricopa County reportedly has 750 traps set throughout the county which are checked every week. And Townsend says they've found activity of these mosquitoes in Goodyear. In fact, Townsend confirmed a trap is set in Estrella, as well.
"We have a trap out there. We’ve been getting a lot of Aedes aegypti activity out there. A lot of people call up, ya know, ‘I’ve lived here for so and so years and I’ve never had any problems and now every time I go out, these mosquitoes are biting my feet and legs and I can’t get away from them.’ That’s the ankle biters. We also get a lot of fly complaints from that area, too," comments Townsend.
The County Website States: "Aedes aegypti is capable of transmitting diseases such as dengue fever and yellow fever. This mosquito thrives in urban and suburban neighborhoods because backyard containers and clutter (tires, buckets, water cans, etc.) offer ideal breeding conditions for them."
Townsend says the County recommends the following personal protection:
- Wear long sleeves
- Use DEET
- Make sure your yard is nice and clean because if you get bitten by an Aedes aegypti, "It's probably out of your own backyard because they don't fly far at all," according to Townsend.
Does your neighbor have standing water? Give the County a call.
Vector Control Office & Lab
3220 W Gibson Lane, Suite 500, Phoenix, AZ 85009
Phone: 602-506-0700
Vector Control Office & Lab
3220 W Gibson Lane, Suite 500, Phoenix, AZ 85009
Phone: 602-506-0700
Townsend described the process for notification. First, an Abatement Order is left at the homeowner's front door. The homeowner has 24 hours to call the County. “If not, we’re probably just gonna come with a search warrant and we’re just gonna go.” It could be less than 24 hours depending on the severity of the situation. “We try to get permission if possible with every home owner. And that would be the ideal situation. But, we all know that doesn’t happen a lot,” comments Townsend.
Unfortunately, the packet City Council had to review is not discoverable in the meeting minutes. So, please watch the Council meeting to find out more. And report mosquito activity!
GOODYEAR'S NEXT STEP IN COORDINATING TRAFFIC SIGNALS ON THE AGENDA
How many times have you hit EVERY red light from the Starpointe all the way to Van Buren? Well... it looks like the city wants to manage traffic congestion more proactively.
Monday night, Council will vote whether to move forward with an Intergovernmental Agreement with the State of Arizona to fund, purchase, install, and maintain fiber optic conduit, cable and equipment giving City staff the ability to monitor traffic congestion. The green light on this funding also would allow Goodyear's Traffic Management Center to coordinate traffic signals in real time.
Monday night, Council will vote whether to move forward with an Intergovernmental Agreement with the State of Arizona to fund, purchase, install, and maintain fiber optic conduit, cable and equipment giving City staff the ability to monitor traffic congestion. The green light on this funding also would allow Goodyear's Traffic Management Center to coordinate traffic signals in real time.
| council_action_report-1.pdf |
The staff report states....
Cotton Lane is an arterial roadway that will have a direct connection to I-10/SR303L in late 2017. This project will connect the following traffic signals:
Cotton Lane is an arterial roadway that will have a direct connection to I-10/SR303L in late 2017. This project will connect the following traffic signals:
- Cotton Lane & Lower Buckeye Road (Construction 2017)
- Cotton Lane & Commerce Drive
- Estrella Parkway & Mountain Ranch Marketplace (Walgreen’s)
- Estrella Parkway & Elliot Road
- San Gabriel Drive & Elliot Road
How much would this cost taxpayers? The report states, "The total federal fund contribution including MAG funds to this project is $990,150. The required city match obligation is $89,850. The City’s match funds for this project are included in FY2018 and FY2019 of the Draft 2018-2027 CIP. An initial payment of $30,000 is due to ADOT by June 1, 2017. The City has a credit of $7,171.33 from another ADOT project, so the amount due to ADOT by June 1 is $22,828.67. Because this project is moving forward faster than anticipated, the initial payment required in FY2017 will be made from savings or timing changes for matching funds for other ADOT federally funding projects that are in the FY2017 budget. Table 1 below shows the funding breakdown based on the terms of the IGA, and Table 2 shows the funding breakdown with the additional Federal funding that will be allocated to the project."
Who? What? When? Where?
Monday, May 8, 2017
Goodyear Justice Center
6pm
Agenda item 6.2
Email Council with your input or show up to speak at the meeting.
Monday, May 8, 2017
Goodyear Justice Center
6pm
Agenda item 6.2
Email Council with your input or show up to speak at the meeting.
NEWLAND WATER MAIN BREAK IN ESTRELLA - EXCLUSIVE INFORMATION
April 5, 2017 around 1pm, a water main broke on Elliot Road across from Estrella Mountain Elementary School.
The water mains in this area are maintained by Newland Communities... not The City of Goodyear. Water was wasted for several minutes before it was shut off. Goodyear Water Director Mark Holmes tells us water pressure in homes would NOT be affected because this is reclaimed, nonpotable water. Estrella's water pipes are old... installed in the 80's. This was so tragic to see. **PERMISSION TO REPOST WITHOUT ATTRIBUTION NOT GRANTED** Videos Courtesy News2JB Creative Services, LLC |
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ESTRELLA'S 2nd FIRE STATION SLATED TO OPEN JULY 2019
On February 27, 2017, Goodyear City Council voted unanimously to give notice of intent to start design of Estrella Fire Station No. 801.
Shout out to Newland Communities, AV Homes, Council and City Staff for collaborating to make this happen! |
The price tag is $5,870,000. Fire Chief Paul Luizzi states personnel will be trained at the academy and ready to work on day one.
And to save money on the additional fire stations needed in the city, the same design will be used as long as it works on the property sites.
And to save money on the additional fire stations needed in the city, the same design will be used as long as it works on the property sites.
The recent tax payer funded fire study shows the optimal location for Estrella's newest fire station will be located at Estrella Parkway and Willis Road.
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The fire station was not slated in this current budget. But, due to continued growth and strains on fire service response times, it became a bigger priority. And the money was not easy to come by. The city didn't have the funds... but continued to add rooftops. Additional rooftops added to demands for fire service. The developers had no legal obligation to pitch in. But, they did. And the motion is now in place to start design and construction.
West Valley Families - Estrella is proud to have a hand in highlighting the Estrella need for additional fire service. We'll be sure to monitor progress. And you'll certainly see us July 2019 at the Grand Opening!
Cheers! Jennifer Barber |
Optimal location for Estrella's 2nd Fire Station is Estrella Parkway at Willis Road.
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WHEN WILL THE PRESIDIO RESIDENTS CENTER OPEN?
**UPDATE**
December 10, 2016
Get a guided tour of the Presidio between 2pm and 7pm December 12th thru December 16th.
On Monday, December 19th, the Presidio will be open 5am - 10pm.
Presidio Tree Decorating Party - Thursday, December 15th from 6:30 - 8pm.
ALSO: NYPD, LLC - doing business as New York Pizza Dept. - goes to Goodyear City Council on Monday night, December 12th, to get approval for a new Series 12 liquor license which would be located at the Presidio Residents Club. A city report states, "This business plans to open in January 2017." Once the State of Arizona grants the license, hopefully in January, Bella Vita by NYPD will add beer and wine to its menu. We can't wait!
December 10, 2016
Get a guided tour of the Presidio between 2pm and 7pm December 12th thru December 16th.
On Monday, December 19th, the Presidio will be open 5am - 10pm.
Presidio Tree Decorating Party - Thursday, December 15th from 6:30 - 8pm.
ALSO: NYPD, LLC - doing business as New York Pizza Dept. - goes to Goodyear City Council on Monday night, December 12th, to get approval for a new Series 12 liquor license which would be located at the Presidio Residents Club. A city report states, "This business plans to open in January 2017." Once the State of Arizona grants the license, hopefully in January, Bella Vita by NYPD will add beer and wine to its menu. We can't wait!
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Estrella Mountain Residents confirmed today the Presidio is getting close to opening. Right now, the Certificate of Occupancy needs to be received before opening its doors... and we're told that should happen in the next few days. It's hoped a tree lighting ceremony will be scheduled around the 12th or 13th. And we're told that fingers are still crossed for the New Year's Eve party to still be held at the Presidio. Nothing is firmly confirmed.
We've been following the construction of the Presidio since June 2015. We'll keep you posted. |
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West Valley Families - Estrella
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ESTRELLA'S URGENT CARE CENTER
The building next to Taco Bell in Estrella is reportedly going to be a NextCare Urgent Care center according to what we first reported on March 18th here.
The construction of the facility appears to be complete. But, we haven't seen much movement inside. |
September 6, 2016
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West Valley Families - Estrella contacted NextCare over the weekend. We asked if they will be hiring soon and what the opening date will be.
All they responded with was that career opportunities will be available on its website here. As of today, September 6th, no job openings are posted by NextCare for the Goodyear area. We'll keep an eye on the website and let you know when we hear more. Currently, Estrella has a Banner Health Center. Find out more here. I'm sure most residents will welcome having more medical conveniences and hours of coverage once NextCare is open.
We'll keep you posted. And please CONTACT US if you have any information we can add. Thanks! |
GOODYEAR LITTLE LEAGUE SHOWING WELL AT STATE!
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PHOTOS BY REFLECTIVE PHOTOGRAPHYCoach Michael Jones - an Estrella resident - and his 11U team won the District 2 tournament championship July 6th. This week, his team has been playing at the state championships in Wickenburg.
They play again Monday against Rincon. They are 1 of the final 4 left in the state. Ahwatukee, Rincon, Cactus Foothills South, and Goodyear. If they win Monday, they play Tuesday. The tournament runs through Thursday. Learn more about this incredible team here. We first told you about their astonishing efforts throughout this season. It's super fun to watch them grow and win! BEST WISHES! We are cheering you on from Estrella!! |
GOODYEAR CRISIS RESOURCES
On July 19, 2016, Goodyear's Community Services office visited the Refuse To Be A Victim® seminar in CantaMia.
Sgt. Braughton from the Goodyear Police Department spoke with attendees about the helpful services the city offers its residents. The Goodyear Police Department Crisis Services Unit is a group of dedicated professionally trained staff and volunteers who are committed to providing victims of crime and community members with services that can assist them in their recovery as quickly and fully as possible.
THEY PROVIDE:
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SGT. BRAUGHTON - GOODYEAR POLICE COMMUNITY SERVICES
JULY 19, 2016 CANTAMIA CONTACT: LINK
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GOODYEAR LITTLE LEAGUE TEAM WITH ESTRELLA PLAYERS AND COACH GOING TO STATE!Goodyear's Little League 11U team clinches the win and will go to the state tourney in Wickenburg this month! They’ll compete with the other 13 district winners in the state. CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL STORY AND INCREDIBLE VIDEO!
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FIRE SERVICE DEMANDS IN ESTRELLA
Estrella residents and Goodyear City Council are keeping an eye on fire service demands in the Estrella community.
At stake is a new fire station, Station No. 186, which is slated for serving residents in Montecito and CantaMia. West Valley Families - Estrella has been covering this issue since November 2015. STORIES AND NEWS COVERAGE:
CantaMia Growth and Fire Service Demands LINK
Goodyear Under Fire LINK
Estrella Easter Morning House Fire Response Times LINK
KJZZ NEWS COVERAGE LINK
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PRODUCE EXCHANGE
As an added benefit for members of our resident page, you can join the produce exchange page.
This is for residents who go to the Produce On Wheels events and want to exchange with other residents. Enjoy! Join here. |
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ESTRELLA CONSTRUCTION
West Valley Families - Estrella has been able to confirm what's going in next to Taco Bell.
Read here. |
PRODUCE SWAP ON THE ESTRELLA RESIDENT EXCHANGE
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GOT VEGGIES?
The Produce on Wheels event is this Saturday. You can get 60 pounds of fresh produce for just $10. If you want to swap out produce with others in Estrella, you are welcome to do so on our Estrella Produce Exchange group page here. We recommend meeting in a well-lit public place. Do not give out your address or work schedule. Be sure to keep your safety in mind when exchanging information. Happy swapping! Click here for info about the Produce on Wheels event in Goodyear. |
AZMERIT TEST SCORE RESULTS - CLICK HERE
THIS FILE HAS TEST SCORE RESULTS.
| azmerit_ncsc_2015.xlsx |
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TRAFFIC LIGHT APPROVAL AT STARPOINTE INTERSECTION - CLICK HERE
October 6, 2015
Last night, the City of Goodyear Council approved the installation of a traffic light at the Starpointe intersection. For the full story and to see a timeline of what happens next, please click here.
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WHY DO THE LIGHT POLES LOOK LIKE THIS AT THE WALGREENS INTERSECTION?
October 5, 2015
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Jen's Editing Note: I had a quick chat with Luke Albert today. He's the City Traffic Engineer with the City of Goodyear.
He says the light poles at this particular intersection have had a lot of wear and tear. It appears the "touch up" paint on the poles disintegrated more than typical. In fact, more than any other light poles. Unfortunately, a new "touch up" is out of warranty with TA Caid, the manufacturer. But, the city isn't giving up. They're continuing to talk with the company to see if anything can be done to fix the eyesore. And now... you know. GOT AN ISSUE FOR THE CITY OF GOODYEAR?
See something. Say something. In Goodyear, you can connect directly with city staff in order to more effectively and efficiently resolve issues in the community. This link takes you to the city's mobile app download links.
Click here to go to the mobile app for the City of Goodyear. |
REGISTER TO VOTE
Click here to register to vote.
October 5, 2015 Voter registration deadline for General Election
October 7, 2015 Early Voting begins for General Election
October 23, 2015 Early Voting Requests End
November 3, 2015 General Election
October 5, 2015 Voter registration deadline for General Election
October 7, 2015 Early Voting begins for General Election
October 23, 2015 Early Voting Requests End
November 3, 2015 General Election
Arizona State Legislature
Title 16 - Elections and Electors - CLICK HERE TO READ
16-1018: A person who commits any of the following acts is guilty of a class 2 misdemeanor:
**4. Shows another voter's ballot or the machine on which another voter has voted to any person after it is prepared for voting in such a manner as to reveal the contents, except to an authorized person lawfully assisting the voter. A voter who makes available an image of the voter's own ballot by posting on the internet or in some other electronic medium is deemed to have consented to retransmittal of that image and that retransmittal does not constitute a violation of this section.
Title 16 - Elections and Electors - CLICK HERE TO READ
16-1018: A person who commits any of the following acts is guilty of a class 2 misdemeanor:
**4. Shows another voter's ballot or the machine on which another voter has voted to any person after it is prepared for voting in such a manner as to reveal the contents, except to an authorized person lawfully assisting the voter. A voter who makes available an image of the voter's own ballot by posting on the internet or in some other electronic medium is deemed to have consented to retransmittal of that image and that retransmittal does not constitute a violation of this section.
OFFICIAL GROUND BREAKING CEREMONY ON THE PRESIDIO RESIDENTS CLUB
June 12, 2015
11:50am
11:50am
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We have been able to confirm from multiple sources that an official ground breaking ceremony took place at the Presidio Residents Club this morning. In fact, Goodyear Mayor Georgia Lord was in attendance, as well.
Estrella's community website makes no mention of this event. Estrella's latest magazine publication makes no mention of today's event. Goodyear's website makes no mention of this event. This was a ground breaking ceremony for a community facility in which the community was not invited. From what we understand, the Parsons marketing agency coordinated the event for Newland and its partners. We put in a call and email to the agency for additional information. We will bring that information to you once we receive it. Also in attendance were Newland Regional Vice President, Bill Olson and HOA Manager, Lisa Lundskow. We're told a future ceremony will be held for the community. Construction on the Presidio Residents Club is to resume in the next few days according to our sources. Construction may be completed in a year from now. Photos to the left are of the Presidio construction site from mid-morning. |
**UPDATE**
2:05pm
We received a note from BIGYAM, the marketing agency related to The Parsons Agency, that it did issue a media release. They also sent along a Dropbox link to photos from this morning's event. Photo credit to Dave Finley. We have asked the agency why the community was not notified of the event and are waiting a response.
2:35pm
We have been told today's event was for Newland only and that the HOA may be planning a community event as construction progresses or for the grand opening.
2:05pm
We received a note from BIGYAM, the marketing agency related to The Parsons Agency, that it did issue a media release. They also sent along a Dropbox link to photos from this morning's event. Photo credit to Dave Finley. We have asked the agency why the community was not notified of the event and are waiting a response.
2:35pm
We have been told today's event was for Newland only and that the HOA may be planning a community event as construction progresses or for the grand opening.
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4:10pm The City of Goodyear Mayor's office sent us this photo and a statement, "This is such an exciting day for the residents of Estrella. I know that you are all very excited to have this great amenity in your community and we are just as excited for the growth that it will continue to bring to Goodyear." |
Photo courtesy City of Goodyear
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June 2, 2015
Construction for the new Presidio Residents Club is underway. We're told clearing started yesterday and we found crews continuing to work this morning.
Where is it, exactly? If you drive south on Estrella Parkway past Estrella Foothills High School, you'll see Bougainvillea Park to the west. That's on Calistoga Drive. Follow the bend in the road and you'll see construction as you come over the hill past 182nd Avenue.
Where is it, exactly? If you drive south on Estrella Parkway past Estrella Foothills High School, you'll see Bougainvillea Park to the west. That's on Calistoga Drive. Follow the bend in the road and you'll see construction as you come over the hill past 182nd Avenue.
Yesterday on our Facebook page, we touched on a few highlights of this new facility.
Quick facts about the Presidio Residents Club:
Quick facts about the Presidio Residents Club:
- 13 months to build
- 18,500 square-feet includes 3400 square-foot fitness facility
- Social space
- Teen area
- Board room
- Café
- Pool with beach entry - NO LAP POOL
- Splash pad for kids
If you see any new milestones in construction, please let us know. We're sure this will be a beautiful place for residents to meet.
STOLEN VEHICLE SUSPECT UPDATE
May 27, 2015
Estrella Mountain Residents has learned that the suspected driver in the May 22nd event in Estrella is Loreto Coronado. We are told he was arrested, cited, and released. Charges have been forwarded to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office.
The female occupant in the vehicle is reportedly Angela Lucas. We are told she was booked.
The female occupant in the vehicle is reportedly Angela Lucas. We are told she was booked.
STOLEN VEHICLE AND SEVERAL ARRESTS IN ESTRELLA
May 22, 2015
UPDATED 3:30PM
Photos courtesy Jen Barber
UPDATED 3:30PM
Photos courtesy Jen Barber
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Around noon this afternoon, residents began reporting on Estrella Mountain Residents Facebook page that police had guns drawn on a vehicle in Estrella.
We were able to confirm police pulled over an allegedly stolen vehicle with FOUR occupants in the northbound lane of Estrella Parkway between Copper Ridge Drive and Summit Drive. Goodyear Police Information Officer Lisa Kutis tells us, "It is a stolen vehicle with several occupants. Officers had to block off road to get everyone out. They are in custody and everything is safe without incident." As of 12:40pm, northbound Estrella Parkway was restricted to one lane. |
This afternoon, we were able to learn more about this event through Goodyear Police.
Apparently, a detective patrolling the area noticed the green SUV had a punched out key hole in the back of the vehicle. Alert, the officer ran the license plate number and discovered it was a stolen vehicle from the Maricopa County area. The officer pulled the vehicle over in what turned out to be what is called a "High Risk" stop.
Because there were four occupants, two men and two women, inside the stolen vehicle, police drew their weapons for not just their own safety but also for the safety of the public. While this is an extremely uncommon event in Estrella, police waited for backup and blocked off the road till they were able to pull out the suspects one-by-one.
The suspects are described to be in their 30's. As of now, they are at the police station being questioned.
We will keep you updated as more information becomes available.
Apparently, a detective patrolling the area noticed the green SUV had a punched out key hole in the back of the vehicle. Alert, the officer ran the license plate number and discovered it was a stolen vehicle from the Maricopa County area. The officer pulled the vehicle over in what turned out to be what is called a "High Risk" stop.
Because there were four occupants, two men and two women, inside the stolen vehicle, police drew their weapons for not just their own safety but also for the safety of the public. While this is an extremely uncommon event in Estrella, police waited for backup and blocked off the road till they were able to pull out the suspects one-by-one.
The suspects are described to be in their 30's. As of now, they are at the police station being questioned.
We will keep you updated as more information becomes available.
**NOTICE THE PUNCHED OUT KEYHOLE IN THE BACK OF THE SUV**
GREAT JOB GOODYEAR POLICE!
GREAT JOB GOODYEAR POLICE!
NORTH LAKE'S NEWEST FOUNTAINS
Photo courtesy Jen Barber - May 6, 2015
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One of our followers gave us this great story idea and we're really happy he did. Estrella is home to five new, beautiful water fountains at North Lake!
North Lake, its amphitheatre, and the Yacht Club are gathering spots for the majority of Estrella's community events. The newly updated fountains serve as an impressive backdrop. And we're sure future wedding and prom photos will capture their splendor, as well! We captured these photos just before the winds kicked up today. |
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AquaMaster® out of Kiel, Wisconsin was hired to install the new fountains. We're told the four fountains on the outside of the attraction run 22 feet high. The middle and highest fountain is roughly 56 feet high.
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This company designs and builds "high quality equipment" which they boast can actually improve the water quality. Something we think Estrella's lakes can surely benefit from!
AquaMaster® prides itself on water quality management saying, "Aeration is a natural, environmentally-safe and highly effective water quality management tool. It addresses a wide range of water quality problems, including algae build-up, aquatic weeds, bottom sludge, foul odors, insect infestation, and stagnation in lakes and ponds." Please visit their site for more information about the quality work they provide. |
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If you recall, North Lake once had seven fountains. We're told this new investment was warranted because of cost. At nearly 20 years old, it was much more expensive to maintain the aging fountains than to purchase a new fountain system. Also, the old fountains weren't running as often because they'd continually break down.
According to a source, it's reported the new fountains cost $67,914 as part of the overall project which also includes replacing the pump station and lake aeration equipment stations.
We want to stress, the cost to maintain the old fountains was cost prohibitive in comparison to this new feature. And, in our opinion, the new fountains are eye pleasing, too! |
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We have heard there will be a "surprise" at the Yacht Club Social Friday night. Please have your cameras ready. Our guess is the fountains will light up... but this has not been confirmed! (Please email us with your photos!) Cheers!
All photos courtesy Jen Barber, Estrella Mountain Residents
CAR ACCIDENT ON S. SAN MIGUEL DRIVE AND PORTER DRIVE
APRIL 27, 2015 - 3pm
Photo taken post accident by Corrie Lamb
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**RE: Accident on San Miguel near South Lake Park
**SOURCE: Goodyear Police Department Roll Over single vehicle collision / Road closure S San Miquel Dr and W Porter Dr (southbound) Vehicle with an adult female driver while traveling southbound swerved off the roadway up over the curb , hit a cross walk sign (wired with lights near park) and rolled over. Driver transported to WVER and Traffic unit is assisting Patrol with investigation. Possible DUI. Roadway is closed while waiting on tow. |
GOODYEAR CITY COUNCIL MEETS TONIGHT TO HEAR ABOUT THE NEED FOR TRAFFIC LIGHTS
April 27, 2015
April 25, 2015 - Photo Credit Kacy Lujan
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Saturday night, MC 85 saw yet another crash. This one at Estrella Parkway in Goodyear just before 9pm.
The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office responded but does not have crash reports available yet online. However, passersby raised concern about the intersection citing previous accidents. Even though a traffic light is installed at this intersection, residents pointed out the need to double check oncoming cars before crossing... even on a green light. |
So, just how are traffic lights and increased traffic patrols considered in the West Valley?
West Valley Families provides insight on traffic light approval in a blog post written by Jen Barber. For the full article, go here. Tonight in Goodyear, city traffic engineers will explain to council members how traffic signals are evaluated and prioritized within the city's Capital Improvement Program - or CIP. According to the staff report for tonight's work session, staff will recommend installing a light at the Estrella intersection in front of the Starpointe Residents Club in 2016 due to increasing development in the area.
West Valley Families provides insight on traffic light approval in a blog post written by Jen Barber. For the full article, go here. Tonight in Goodyear, city traffic engineers will explain to council members how traffic signals are evaluated and prioritized within the city's Capital Improvement Program - or CIP. According to the staff report for tonight's work session, staff will recommend installing a light at the Estrella intersection in front of the Starpointe Residents Club in 2016 due to increasing development in the area.
| staff_report.pdf |
This comes after local residents started a petition and letter writing campaign to the Goodyear City Council.
When we purchased our home in Estrella Mountain Ranch we chose our home location based on proximity to the shopping center, club house and lakes. We wanted to be able to reach these amenities by foot or bicycle. Each morning I enjoy taking my 2 youngest children in their double stroller for a walk around the lakes. When my 7 year old is home he likes to tag along on his bike. It has become increasingly dangerous to cross the intersection. I have witnessed many close calls and 2 accidents. I am concerned for our drivers, pedestrians, and bikers. I am urging city council to please install a traffic light at this intersection. ~Suzanne McEvoy, Estrella Resident
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Goodyear City Council hears the traffic light presentation tonight at 4:30pm during its work session.
The Goodyear Justice Center is located at 14455 W. Van Buren St., Goodyear, Az 85338. Public comment is not allowed until the City Council meeting at 6pm. You can download your Speaker Request Form here. Submit it to the City Clerk when you arrive. If many residents wish to speak about the same issue, the mayor may ask you to nominate one person to speak on behalf of the group. Be sure that person gives an accurate number of people who've attended the meeting in favor for or against the topic. |
Goodyear Justice Center
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As commercial and residential development continues in the Estrella and Canta Mia areas, traffic is getting congested and dangerous in the intersection of San Gabriel Drive and Elliot Road, where the entrance/exit is to the Starpointe Residents Club. City Council has recently approved a Taco Bell with a drive through, just east of this intersection. We are asking the Goodyear City Council to consider installing a traffic signal for the safety of our residents and guests, whether they use that intersection as pedestrians, motorists, or bicyclists. We would like to see the City Council act in a proactive fashion, instead of waiting to react to a serious accident. ~Sara Gilligan, Estrella Resident
Residents who prefer to write to council are advised to do so before 4pm today. The email address is [email protected].
PICKIN' ON THE PATIO AND D'S CAFÉ
April 25, 2015
This is the first event of its kind on the Starpointe Residents Club patio. CONGRATS to the Social Committee for pulling off a well-attended event. The Schaeffer siblings were among those entertaining the crowd. The best part? D's Café was hopping!
This is the first event of its kind on the Starpointe Residents Club patio. CONGRATS to the Social Committee for pulling off a well-attended event. The Schaeffer siblings were among those entertaining the crowd. The best part? D's Café was hopping!
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ESTRELLA FOOTHILLS BIKE PARK RIBBON CUTTING AND GRAND OPENING
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April 25, 2015
Photo Courtesy Jeff Gauvin CONGRATS to all the residents who worked so hard on building the new pump track and bike park near Estrella Foothills High School. Mayor Georgia Lord and Goodyear City Councilmembers attended today's ribbon cutting and grand opening. Find out more about this park on our Features page. |
CITY OF GOODYEAR LAWMAKERS to CONSIDER A SIGNAL NEAR THE STARPOINTE AFTER RESIDENT INPUT
The Goodyear City Council is holding a work session on Monday night at 4:30pm to discuss 9 various, concerning intersections in our All-America City. The staff report states, "The intersection on the list above that is currently being tracked most regularly is the intersection of Elliot Road and San Gabriel Drive/Starpointe Entrance. This intersection had a significant increase in traffic between 2013 and 2015 with the opening of McDonald’s in the Safeway shopping center. Traffic is anticipated to continue to increase with the opening of Taco Bell later this year and overall increase in customers to this shopping center. While a traffic signal is not currently warranted, the volume of pedestrians crossing Elliot Road at San Gabriel Drive/Starpointe Entrance and the future opening of Taco Bell justifies continued attention at this intersection.
"As development increases within this area, a signal will become warranted. As such, Engineering is recommending the approval of funding for the installation of a signal. If approved, a design will be completed, a contractor will be identified through procurement procedures and signal equipment/poles will be secured. The installation would occur in spring 2016."
READ THE REPORT HERE:
"As development increases within this area, a signal will become warranted. As such, Engineering is recommending the approval of funding for the installation of a signal. If approved, a design will be completed, a contractor will be identified through procurement procedures and signal equipment/poles will be secured. The installation would occur in spring 2016."
READ THE REPORT HERE:
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HOW THIS ALL STARTED
On Monday, April 16th, the Goodyear City Council unanimously gave the green light to the Taco Bell being built in Estrella before addressing traffic safety in front of the Starpointe Residents Club. City staff and council members discussed the traffic issue on Elliot Road with the intent of having a future meeting to learn more about it. Local residents are banding together to try to bring awareness to the City of Goodyear's lawmakers. You can learn more here. To view the City Council video and discussion about traffic safety in Estrella, click here. Discussion starts at 1:55:50. |
Elliot Road - April 15, 2015 courtesy Jen Barber
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***SIGN THE PETITION here***
GOODYEAR CITY COUNCIL HEARING ESTRELLA INTERSECTION COMMENTS 4.27.15
ESTRELLA SCHOOL TAKING DONATIONS TO KEEP ITS LIBRARIAN AND MEDIA SPECIALIST
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Due to state cuts to education, Estrella Mountain Elementary School will not be able to staff its librarian for the 2015-2016 school year.
In an effort to keep the librarian, Mrs. Morris, the school has set up a GoFundMe page. You can contribute to the effort with a tax deductible donation here. |
