Robert Haasch
I have been a resident of San Tan Valley since 2005. I am a web application developer for a company in Mesa. I spend some of my free time as a political freelance photojournalist and I also volunteer with an Arizona search and rescue organization.
I have enjoyed seeing the Queen Creek and San Tan Valley area grow and mature over the past seven years. In spite of some of the challenges facing the area, I enjoy living here and am optimistic that the economy and development of San Tan Valley will continue to improve. I enjoy the mixture of the rural atmosphere, the wilderness feel of the San Tan Mountain range, the open desert, and the proximity to many amenities provided by the city.
I look forward to seeing all of the positive things that Arizona will continue to provide and will continue to work hard to ensure that all people are made to feel welcome in this state. And no, I am not running for office but I think I will save that statement for later in case I ever do. :)
Website URL: http://sandangel.smugmug.com
Arizona Hoodie March for Trayvon Martin
Over two thousand people marched through Downtown Phoenix in protest of the shooting death of Trayvon Martin last month in Sanford, Florida. Event organizers were surprised by the large turnout.
Jenni Troy, who put together a Facebook event page along with two of her friends, Natalie and Elizabeth Mason, put the announcement out only three prior to the march.
Free Medical Services Fair This Saturday Hosted by Compassion Queen Creek
A free medical, dental, and social services fair will be held at Walker Butte Elementary School this upcoming Saturday, March 10th.
Compassion Queen Creek is inviting the public to attend. Local medical professionals are providing free medical care, dental care, well-woman care, and other checkups. The dental team is comprised of dental specialists, hygienists, and general dentistry professionals. They will be providing free teeth cleanings, x-rays, fillings, extractions, and sealants for kids as well.
Vigil to Ask ICE to Drop Pinal County Jail Contract
Saturday afternoon on March 3rd, thirty-five migrant rights activists converged on Sheriff Paul Babeu's Pinal County Jail in Florence, Arizona. This was the fifth monthly vigil meeting at the jail to bring attention to the conditions under which immigration detainees are being held.
Members of the Arizona Detention Working Group (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Arizona-Detention-Working-Group/280858511963997) are calling for the cancellation of the contract the Pinal County Jail has with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Mitt Romney Stumps in Mesa
Mitt Romney made a campaign stop in Mesa Monday night. A couple thousand supporters turned out to hear Mitt speak at the Mesa Amphitheatre. The venue was nearly full of excited fans.
Effort to Recall Jan Brewer Kicked off at Arizona Best Fest
The effort to recall Governor Jan Brewer kicked off today, Feb 11th, at Wesley Bolin Park at the State Capitol. Thousands of people were in Downtown Phoenix to celebrate the statehood centennial at Arizona Best Fest at the Capitol.
The group, led by community activist Leonard Clark, met at 10am to organize the volunteers. They passed out blank petitions to volunteers and as the crowds arrived at the Capitol, they began collecting signatures.
I Hate Budgeting
In spite of some of these issues, I enjoy living out on the edge of the city. I can still see the stars at night, see an occasional coyote trot by, and enjoy the relative silence compared to living in Phoenix.
San Tan Valley Gets New Legislative Districts
As of January 17th, 2012, San Tan Valley has new Congressional and Legislative districts. The Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission released their final maps of the new districts across Arizona.
All of the numbers and border lines have changed. The Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission worked hard last year to establish new lines. Much controversy was stirred up over whether the lines were fair, whether Colleen Mathis, the chair of the Commission was doing a good job or not, and over the legal efforts by Governor Brewer to replace her.
