[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6583160,"mediaKeyId","3074654-a91b856af790d0ff4e2ea5f570a27539","parentId",3074654,"title","Avondale introduces 10 new police officers and recognizes volunteer police service; chief says department is fully staffed","audioSeconds",456,"startMs",252000,"endMs",708000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3074654-a91b856af790d0ff4e2ea5f570a27539&start=252&end=708","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3074654-a91b856af790d0ff4e2ea5f570a27539/thumbnail_252000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6583160/Avondale/Maricopa-County/Arizona/Avondale-introduces-10-new-police-officers-and-recognizes-volunteer-police-service-chief-says-department-is-fully-staffed","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6583160-7cf014baec35ee8c01dedd7a71aac2c4/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442824&Signature=TfBrn0F2uMsYxvEos2LbYmewYvWQhVGlb1pPWxaatBfYDpac4OvrTczBROTixroOmZnNoKWm9VHih2l1jWeRZ5TDSnkoF0Vmi1US8KkHBiflNCCYEm5YNSzQBdKKgbnqqq8zuO0NJQZJ3~2c9nAATBZezdAxgVArCKVUsQ6KT737Aqu1R~uw30AUERuqtJLRQ5wxRyh83FSVOl-Mtd4riDi32spefh9Rm9ogaUU~RCe2buwUx5YivIQxI1GJ0~wsUrpkFWwy3hHVB5bmEyIQGtGoogljnR1NMX~ctkEF-8TtTK~-rNCC5vFCkUP5~mdQvZHxgnuax0doL0K~wCicWA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Avondale","date","2025-04-21T00:00:00Z","article","The Avondale City Council meeting April 21 included a presentation by Police Chief Espinosa introducing the police department's 10 newest officers and recognizing volunteer contributors to policing.

Chief Espinosa introduced each new officer and thanked city leadership for support in hiring. \"These 10 officers are excellent. They have a clear understanding that, by hiring good employees, in turn, they will be good to our residents, and we will continue to provide quality police services,\" Chief Espinosa said as he introduced the recruits.

Why it matters: Chief Espinosa and the mayor said the staffing level matters for community safety and service. During the meeting staff confirmed the department is fully staffed.

New officers introduced (as stated by the officers at the dais)

- Officer Dante Herron (introduced himself; called Detroit, Michigan home)
- Officer Tyler Yipso (called Avondale home)
- Officer Marco Espino
- Officer Jonathan Brenner
- Officer John Horton
- Officer Pablo Delcala
- Officer Joseph Del Pozzo
- Officer Aurelia Ramirez
- Officer Ed Salagi
- Officer John Munoz

Chief Espinosa also acknowledged a top graduate from the most recent academy: Officer Del Pozzo was recognized as the academic top recruit.

Volunteer recognition and proclamation

Suzanne Hoag, volunteer coordinator for the police department, and Chief Espinosa also recognized the department's volunteers in policing (VIPs). Hoag said the program had 29 volunteers who contributed a total of 3,532 volunteer hours in 2024. \"We currently have 29 volunteers in police service, also known as VIPs, and many of them are here tonight,\" Hoag told the council.

Council and mayor remarks

Mayor Pineda and council members thanked the officers, volunteers and staff. The mayor read a proclamation recognizing National Volunteer Month for April; Development Services staff later presented a proclamation designating May as Building Safety Month (the Building Safety Month proclamation referenced the International Code Council and the role of modern building codes in community resilience).

Operational note

Chief Espinosa said, \"today, if everybody showed up and I didn't hear otherwise, we are fully staffed again in our police department 100 percent.\" The mayor and council welcomed the new officers and encouraged residents to look for them at community events.

Ending: New officers were photographed with the mayor and council at the meeting; no formal council action was required to accept hires or proclamations during the session.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Avondale - City Council - Apr 21, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Police Chief Espinosa introduced 10 newly hired officers and thanked volunteers; chief and mayor said the department is at full staffing as of the meeting.","taxTitle","Avondale, Maricopa County, Arizona","taxId",2567,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6583164,"Avondale outlines $200,000 contributions assistance program, sets application and review timeline",307,2186000,2493000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3074654-a91b856af790d0ff4e2ea5f570a27539&start=2186&end=2493","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3074654-a91b856af790d0ff4e2ea5f570a27539/thumbnail_2186000.jpg","/articles/6583164/Avondale/Maricopa-County/Arizona/Avondale-outlines-200000-contributions-assistance-program-sets-application-and-review-timeline","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6583164-7767df5456a81db4ecbad41c92e99d51/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442824&Signature=B-kvpv9-rOIHPDv8nfY5A3GAZoi9kG1WNtPxCtYHwBbLI~CK~K-ipKLklXQpR8Voj-qm25BwQTiHYwvQo0MDZiw6xhi1j-2zO2M~5~scjRFX~mHTuFY8L1spSRAGvokNDDQibwtTyJHud8WJ3qLHyOWez5TWNfxlf76bWaxnRVyk~PHzj6UYWlmTmJ0sEGWl7OFSkKGa7FaPBGDkTV7LJdvOiYshm4F8~aam3jr6thds1RZHVrtMRSRgEdrUaeA~NGyC2ER08yF0X50wDZ-Urn9uIhRH~3YfInhBWF4Q--GXTcHtuVxQcJWKwgxg9KbWqhl9a2sz1OJjBlWMVcuTug__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Avondale City Council heard an overview April 21 of the Contributions Assistance Program, the city's annual grant process for local nonprofits that provide health and human services to Avondale residents.

Edith Baltieras, assistant director for Neighborhood and Family Services, told council that level funding of $200,000 for fiscal year 2026 is included in the proposed departmental budget. She outlined eligibility and selection criteria, highlighted that services provided at the Arizona Complete Health Avondale Resource Center will receive priority and described reporting and quarterly progress requirements for awardees.

\"Level funding for fiscal year 20 26 of 200,000 is included in the proposed departmental budget,\" Baltieras said during the presentation.

Why it matters: the program supports nonprofits that deliver food distribution, literacy, youth services, workforce development and other direct services to vulnerable residents. Staff said the program both sustains long-standing partners and seeks to onboard new community organizations.

What staff presented

- Funding and recipients: Staff said $200,000 is budgeted for FY2026. Fiscal year 2025 had multiple awardees across services including food distribution, literacy and workforce development; the transcript did not provide an exact count of FY2025 awardees in the presentation.

- New awardees referenced: Angels on Patrol (crisis intervention referrals from law enforcement) and Foster Alliance (support for foster families with furniture and clothing) were highlighted as new partners for FY2025.

- Eligibility criteria: organizations must be 501(c)(3) entities, provide direct services that improve health and welfare of Avondale residents, be able to provide timely reports and demonstrate measurable progress, be able to generate revenue from other sources and meet or exceed a minimum funding request threshold set by the city.

- Preparation and outreach: staff hosted two grant-writing workshops in early March facilitated by Jeremiah Smith of Everyone Inc.; 25 organizations participated and 31 attendees were recorded. Staff said 11 new organizations have expressed interest in partnering with Avondale.

- Timeline: applications will be available April 22; the application deadline is May 15; submissions will be distributed to the council subcommittee on May 27; the subcommittee will meet June 18 to develop recommendations; council will consider funding approvals on July 14; award presentations are planned for August.

Council comments and next steps

Councilmembers thanked staff for the program and the grant-writing support, noting the importance of assisting newer nonprofits in preparing competitive applications. Vice Mayor Curtis Nielsen and Councilmembers Tina Conde and Jeanette Garcia were named as the council subcommittee that will review funding recommendations. Baltieras said current recipients are on track to expend FY2025 awards by June 30, 2025.

Ending: Staff will publish the application and outreach materials April 22 and proceed with the posted schedule; council did not take a final funding vote at this meeting.","Neighborhood and Family Services presented criteria and a timeline for the city's Contributions Assistance Program, which staff said includes level funding of $200,000 for fiscal year 2026 and will open applications on April 22 with a May 15 deadline.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6583168,"Avondale unveils plan for new and upgraded parks across city, including Civic Center Park and eight new pickleball courts",1078,2676000,3754000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3074654-a91b856af790d0ff4e2ea5f570a27539&start=2676&end=3754","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3074654-a91b856af790d0ff4e2ea5f570a27539/thumbnail_2676000.jpg","/articles/6583168/Avondale/Maricopa-County/Arizona/Avondale-unveils-plan-for-new-and-upgraded-parks-across-city-including-Civic-Center-Park-and-eight-new-pickleball-courts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6583168-2eac10d1070ee49b0950a32baf850bc7/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442824&Signature=b9R8Aeiofj7J45aJ6C-KMk~aajDP7hLDMW394DxtZOrGay3zquT90DVrf9XzksfRUEfJ5PFJfQp8vyhJfvtEC7j388ikHh47iGeOj~M2sEJC7irpHs96~jiigD5DlqMlaTbo7-ROIkAu8hC3WvYUxPwP8sAnkbFaxwklvFmuK~3GE93DqgObDuydv8BDQ0fy8NXRmDtp4h2RCTgsoWSKXUgsHMAFMW0t2InseIykoUV6UeLCfTdSbT84-i9Zob4Iz7wYs810AKNm2xnlBGrSh6GvSjGeqnqzW61~MzTxAbn3ivILuKoq3fc5B1krMZQoYHncweB8L9sQNHXPbDfyEQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City leaders and staff on April 21 outlined a multi-site parks plan that adds new amenities and upgrades existing facilities across Avondale.

The presentation from Corey Loeba, director of Parks, Recreation and Libraries, described six priority projects under design or construction and several other capital improvements planned over the next 18 months. Loeba said Civic Center Park — a 4.9-acre site adjacent to the library — is under construction and will include a shaded playground, picnic ramada, open turf, continuous sidewalks, a reading grove, a food-truck alley for events and space reserved for public art.

The update emphasized user-focused details and constraints. “You will see that area under construction,” Loeba said of Civic Center Park, and noted the project does not include a perimeter fence around the playground in the current design but that one is being considered post-construction. The presentation included renderings showing seat walls meant to resemble book spines as a design nod to the adjacent library.

Why it matters: the projects aim to expand recreation access citywide while reusing underused turf and responding to public demand for courts and inclusive play. Staff said the changes will spread amenities through north and south Avondale, add evening-use lighting and create educational landscape demonstrations.

Key projects and details presented

- Civic Center Park (4.9 acres): shaded playground, picnic ramada, turf, internal and perimeter sidewalks, reading grove, food-truck alley and future public art sites. Staff said much of the underground and sidewalk work is complete and light poles were recently erected.

- Friendship Park upgrades: dog-park renovations (expanded shade canopies, new irrigation separate from sports fields, centralized entry plaza, maintenance access, drinking fountains and lighting) and installation of eight new pickleball courts with LED sports-court lighting and spectator seating. Loeba said the dog park will remain a lit amenity and that the design will keep tall trees and install seat walls beneath them.

- Desi Lorenz Park (near MC 85 between Fourth Street and Central): staff proposed converting passive turf into an outdoor education center and demonstration garden focused on xeriscape and pollinator habitat, adding soft trails, educational signage and public art while preserving the park’s monument sign. Loeba said the park has a smaller parking lot (about 12 spaces) plus multiple pull-ins that could accommodate buses for field trips.

- Western Avenue Plaza (Dysart and Western): conceptual plaza and gateway improvements for Old Town Avondale with walking paths, decorative fencing, lighting, landscaping and a large-scale public-art site intended to tie visually to nearby school district theming; the plan is in early conceptual stages and will include community engagement for artist selection.

- Donatello Neighborhood Park (North Avondale): a roughly 5-acre neighborhood park with a shaded inclusive playground (fenced), restrooms, three picnic ramadas, two open turf areas, quarter-mile loop path, outdoor fitness station, pollinator garden, LED lighting and parking. Loeba said the playground will use about 75% pour-and-play surfacing and be designed as an inclusive demonstration site through a partnership with GameTime Playground Systems.

Other capital items noted: civic center amphitheater shade and lighting, festival fields disc-golf and trailhead, Friendship Park ball-field improvements, an indoor pickleball facility study, continued LED sports-field lighting conversions and a recharge-park design study for land across from Friendship Park.

Design constraints and implementation notes

- Utility easements limit structures and require moving tall features (fencing, lighting) outside easement corridors. Loeba said sports turf can remain under certain easements while taller features will be sited to avoid conflicts.

- Friendship Park’s dog-park irrigation is currently tied to sports-field irrigation; the project will create isolated irrigation so the different turfs can be maintained separately.

- Staff said the Friendship Park pickleball site preserves current youth practice fields and is designed to allow future expansion if demand and funding allow.

Council response and community considerations

Council members asked about mileage markers, dog-park design (large/active vs. small/passive language), noise mitigation for pickleball courts adjacent to homes, local artist involvement for public art and additional amenities such as waste stations and low-cost play markings (hopscotch/4-square). Loeba and staff committed to further study or to incorporate many of those suggestions into design and community engagement phases.

Vice Mayor Curtis Nielsen and several council members suggested interactive or educational features for Western Avenue Plaza and asked to prioritize local artist engagement for public art. Council members also praised staff for coordinating across departments — parks, public works and CIP — to deliver the projects.

Next steps and timeline

Most projects are in design or early construction; staff presented renderings and said some projects will begin construction in the coming months and others will proceed as funding and coordination allow. Specific construction schedules and funding sources were described during the presentation in general terms; council directed staff to continue community engagement and return with further design details where needed.

Ending: Council members broadly supported the project slate and thanked staff; several members noted the improvements should increase use of parks for events such as Winterfest and expand north-Avondale recreational options.","The Avondale City Council received a detailed update on multiple park projects — Civic Center Park, Friendship Park dog-park and pickleball additions, Desi Lorenz outdoor education plans, Western Avenue Plaza concepts and the new Donatello Neighborhood Park — including design features, constraints and timelines.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Avondale introduces 10 new police officers and recognizes volunteer police service; chief says department is fully staffed

Avondale outlines $200,000 contributions assistance program, sets application and review timeline

Avondale unveils plan for new and upgraded parks across city, including Civic Center Park and eight new pickleball courts