EMDR Therapy in Chandler, AZ

Taqueria Factory announce its expansion with an all-new location in the Ocotillo area of South Chandler and is scheduled for a grand opening on June 22. From the family behind Frutilandia, Arizona’s favorite authentic Mexican dessert and snack concept, Taqueria Factory was established by the Garfio Family in 2022 after 17 years of operating Frutilandia. The first Taqueria Factory location was opened on Ray Road and Arizona Avenue. Due to customer demand, the family decided to bring more Taqueria Factory locations to Arizona and launch franchising opportunities.

Ranking Arizona: Top 10 Mexican restaurants for 2023

The second location is owned by Executive Chef Gabriel Garfio, the son of Gamaliel and Maria Garfio, who co-founded the Frutilandia and Taqueria Factory concepts and franchises. A chef for over 13 years and the previous owner of Sunnyside Breakfast Lounge, Chef Gabriel Garfio has a background in culinary, restaurant management and catering from Mountain Shadows Resort and Palo Verde Country Club.

“The Chandler community has overwhelmingly supported us since we opened our doors and we are proud to be able to bring a concept that has been in the making for 5 years to even more Chandler residents,” said Gamaliel Garfio, co-founder of Taqueria Factory.

The fast-casual taqueria in Ocotillo offering full service and to-go service is in a 2,600 square-foot space and features a walk-up counter for ordering, comfortable seating for up to 75 guests, outdoor dining patio, and an indoor bar to imbibe on real fruit margaritas, micheladas, bottle and draft beers.

“I am excited to serve true, made-from-scratch Mexican food with authentic ingredients that all cultures and people can enjoy,” said Taqueria Factory Ocotillo Owner Gabriel Garfio. “We love the beautiful Ocotillo neighborhood, the friendliness of the residents, and the variety of quality schools, shops, and businesses it has to offer.”

Bringing the taste of Mexico straight to the table, Taqueria Factory is committed to only crafting its food and cocktails with the freshest, highest quality ingredients, traditional Mexican recipes and from-scratch cooking methods. All meats are braised for several hours and cooked in an open kitchen while everything on the menu is made in house including marinades, guacamoles and salsas. Highlighting various regions of Mexico including Jalisco and Sinaloa, the food menu offers traditional street-style tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, birria ramen and quesabirrias, a cross between a taco and quesadilla with melted cheese and birria-style braised beef stuffed in a handcrafted corn or flour tortilla served with a flavor-loaded consommé for dunking. Fresh, off-the-grill taco options include carne asada, marinated chicken, shrimp, birria-style beef and the family’s signature al pastor, which is marinated for 24 hours and includes 11 imported ingredients.

The masters of micheladas and real fruit margaritas, Taqueria Factory’s top-notch margaritas are only made with real fruit purees in collaboration with Frutilandia and come in flavors such as strawberry, pineapple, tamarind, lime and mango while the beer-based micheladas are made with a secret blend of spices developed by Fernando Garfio, “michelada master,” brother to Gabriel Garfio and general manager of the original Taqueria Factory location. The beverage program also offers a signature Mangoneada Borracha, a frozen mango drink made with real mangos, chamoy, Tajin, tequila, and a tamarind coated candy straw and housemade agua frescas including flavors like horchata, strawberry, hibiscus flower tea, and cucumber lime. Happy hour is offered Monday through Friday from 2 to 6 p.m. and all alcoholic beverages are $1.50 off in addition to their daily specials such as $3 off Mangoneada Borrachas on Mondays, $3 off Micheladas on Toxica Tuesdays, and buy-one-get-one 50% off margaritas on Margarita Wednesdays.

On June 22, Taqueria Factory will celebrate the grand opening starting at 11 a.m. with all-day specials and giveaways including free gift cards and a chance to win free tacos for a year as well as buy-one-get-one tacos and 16-ounce draft beers for $3. Coming next is Taqueria Factory and Frutilandia Tempe at Arizona Mills which will be co-owned by Edward Valdez and Briana Garfio, sister to Gabriel Garfio.

Taqueria Factory is located at 1155 Ocotillo Road Suite #1 in Chandler on the Southwest corner of Alma School Road and Ocotillo Road. The taqueria is soft opened for dine-in and to-go orders and also offers online ordering on www.taqueriafactory.com or through delivery apps. Follow @TaqueriaFactoryUSA on Instagram and TikTok.

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A Valley man with terminal cancer is being told he can no longer live at a Chandler mobile home community because of redevelopment plans that are in the works. Glen Wacker tells ABC15 he was given a notice to vacate the Chandler Meadows community near Ray Road because he lives in an RV. A spokesperson for Treehouse Communities said in an email Monday that they are transitioning, so that all properties will be manufactured homes, “While these residents have not had leases, we've welcomed them and they've called Chandler Meadows home. The community is transitioning so that all properties will be occupied with manufactured homes. As a result, we've given notice to residents that they have until the end of June to move their RV,” a statement read.

CHANDLER, AZ — A Valley man with terminal cancer is being told he can no longer live at a Chandler mobile home community because of redevelopment plans that are in the works.

Glen Wacker tells ABC15 he was given a notice to vacate the Chandler Meadows community near Ray Road because he lives in an RV.

A spokesperson for Treehouse Communities said in an email Monday that they are transitioning, so that all properties will be manufactured homes, “While these residents have not had leases, we've welcomed them and they've called Chandler Meadows home. The community is transitioning so that all properties will be occupied with manufactured homes. As a result, we've given notice to residents that they have until the end of June to move their RV,” a statement read.

Wacker told ABC15, he is currently in liver and kidney failure, he is also one of eight people told they would have to move by the end of June.

“It’s leaving us in a very bad situation, in a very short amount of time to disrupt your life when you don’t have much of a life left,” said Wacker.

Wacker is known in the film community for his movie stunts and also provided props for films.

For Wacker, moving his RV isn’t as simple as it seems as he has lived in the same location for seven years and has not moved it.

Along with the RV, he tells ABC15 he has a large collection of movie props inside sheds, as well as vehicles parked on the lot he rents.

“I want to keep them, they’re a part of my life,” said Wacker.

A spokesperson for Chandler Meadows added by email, “We recognize that this is a difficult time for them and we are trying to work with them to help ease their transition.”

For Wacker though, he worries about finding a new place to live, “let me stay here in peace until I finally go, let me enjoy what time I have left here,” he added.

On Tuesday, Chandler Meadows announced they have made a six-month extension for residents, including Wacker.

Chandler Meadows, full statement:

"We are committed to doing right by the residents of our community. Historically, there have been a small number of residents who own RVs located on the Chandler Meadows property, whom we have welcomed. The community is transitioning so that all properties will be occupied with manufactured homes, and while only 10 days’ notice is required by law, given feedback we've received, we are voluntarily extending the timeline to 6 months and are committed to doing everything we can to make it a seamless transition for them."

To learn more about Wacker's story, a fundraiser has been created.

Copyright 2023 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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CHANDLER, Ariz. — Edwards, the leading supplier of vacuum and abatement services for the global semiconductor industry, is ready to serve Arizona’s fastest growing sector with the grand opening of its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Chandler, Arizona. The newly constructed 200,000 square foot facility, coined Chandler Connection, officially opened its doors on Thursday, April 20.

Edwards Chandler Connection features manufacturing facilities, factory areas, meeting rooms and a dedicated training center. The new facility brings approximately 500 new jobs to the area and room to grow with demand.

As part of the global Atlas Copco Group, Edwards is committed to working in collaboration with customers, partners and the local community, and was delighted to welcome students, educators, business organizations and local community leaders to the official opening of its Chandler facility. Guests toured the facility and heard about the partnerships Edwards is creating to help build a thriving semiconductor community in Arizona.

“I congratulate Edwards for its success and am confident that their innovative work will advance Arizona’s position as a leader in the semiconductor industry worldwide," said Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs. "Edwards is a critical component of our state’s booming technology ecosystem and I look forward to witnessing the growth of this facility and the positive impact it will have on the Arizona economy."

"We are delighted to open our service and manufacturing facility here in Chandler to support the new semiconductor fab investments being made by our customers," said Geert Follens, President of Atlas Copco Vacuum Technique. "Built to the highest environmental standards, this new facility will contribute to the safe, productive and sustainable manufacturing of semiconductors in North America, as well as provide exciting career opportunities for the local community."

“The City of Chandler is thrilled to see this impressive manufacturing facility begin operations in our burgeoning Airpark Area employment corridor," said Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke. "Chandler has been a national leader within the semiconductor industry for decades and we are excited to welcome another significant investment from a prominent company like Edwards.”

About Edwards Edwards is a leading developer and manufacturer of sophisticated vacuum products, exhaust management systems and related value-added services. These are integral to manufacturing processes for semiconductors, flat panel displays, LEDs and solar cells; are used within an increasingly diverse range of industrial processes including power, glass and other coating applications, steel and other metallurgy, pharmaceutical and chemical; and for both scientific instruments and a wide range of R&D applications. Edwards has over 7,000 employees worldwide engaged in the design, manufacture and support of high technology vacuum and exhaust management equipment and has state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Europe, Asia and North America. Edwards is part of the Atlas Copco Group, based in Stockholm, Sweden. In 2022, Atlas Copco Group had revenues of BSEK 141 and at year end about 49 000 employees. Further information about can be found at Edwards Vacuum.

About the City of Chandler: Chandler, Arizona has built a reputation as a Community of Innovation. Life in Chandler goes beyond a thriving and dynamic business community with progressive entrepreneurship. Known for its rich diversity, the City offers an outstanding quality of life for all generations with great schools and recreational opportunities. Chandler has grown to become the state's fourth largest City with a population of more than 285,000. Chandler has been named one of the nation's Best Places to Find a Job and Best Cities for Women in Tech. The City also is one of the safest communities in the nation and boasts AAA bond ratings from all three national rating agencies, one of only 40 communities to achieve this distinction. For more information, visit the City website, or connect with Chandler on social media.

Media contacts: Meccah Muhammad J2 Media 515-708-8076

Stephanie Romero City of Chandler 480-782-2231

Although the May 31 mulch fire that began in the East Valley remains contained, the fire is still burning, according to the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office.

In line with the original estimation of a 24- to 48-hour burn, no other updates were provided by MCSO.

On Wednesday, Rural Metro Fire spokesperson Shawn Gilleland said that smoke would be lingering throughout the next few days, which crews would continue to monitor.

Previous coverage: Smoke persists after mulch fire near Mesa contained

"Smoke that moved over portions of the Valley yesterday (Thursday) cleared out of the area by mid-morning as temperatures warmed. All PM-2.5 (smoke) monitors within the Phoenix Valley yesterday were in the Good AQI category for the 24-hour average, which is what the EPA federal health standard is based on," Arizona Department of Environmental Quality Communications Manager Caroline Oppleman told The Arizona Republic.

However, light smoke produced from the fire had begun pushing toward the Gilbert and Chandler areas on Friday, but Oppleman noted that it will follow the same trend as Thursday, lifting and clearing out above the surface as the day moves on.

"While short-term light to moderate smoke impacts will be possible as the fire continues to burn, we are not expecting values to exceed the federal health standard," Oppleman said.

ADEQ meteorologist Matt Pace also provided an update via the department's hourly air quality Phoenix forecast.

"While you may smell smoke at the surface, monitors and sensors in the area have not seen values above the health standard set by the EPA. With that said, if you are smelling smoke, you are breathing smoke, and if you are sensitive to it, limit your outdoor activity," Pace said.

A high pollution advisory is in effect Friday through Sunday, June 4, but Pace said it is due to high levels of ozone and not due to high levels of smoke from the mulch fire.

"As for air quality, with light winds for the next several days forecasting ozone to be in the USG category today through Sunday, so an Ozone High Pollution Advisory is in effect. By Monday, winds will help to clear the airshed of ozone and ozone precursors, with values lowering back into the Moderate AQI category," Pace said.

Those interested can monitor the Phoenix Air Quality Index to get up-to-date information on advisories and conditions at https://azdeq.gov/forecast/phoenix.

CHANDLER, Ariz. – The City of Chandler is preparing to rehabilitate or repair sewer pipe and six manholes near the intersection of Dobson Road and Chandler Boulevard, and in Dobson Road to just north of Galveston Street. The City is also preparing to install new waterline and service connections on Chandler Boulevard from Dobson Road to Chippewa Place on the north side of Chandler Boulevard and from Dobson Road to Meadows Drive on the south side of Chandler Boulevard.

Construction is currently scheduled to begin mid-May 2023 with an anticipated completion date of August 2024.

This area was studied by the City’s Wastewater Sewer Assessment Program that evaluates, prioritizes and makes needed repairs to sewer pipes and manholes. The assessment program identified the need for improvements near Dobson Road and Chandler Boulevard, which has infrastructure ranging from 35 to 50 years in age. In addition, water mains prioritized for replacement in the 2018 Water Master Plan will also be replaced from west of Dobson on Chandler Boulevard east to Chippewa Place.

During construction, roads are expected to remain open for travel with lane or turn restrictions where needed. Traffic control is expected to remain in place 24/7 to protect the work zone.

Where possible, the rehabilitation will include the installation of a lining within the existing sewer pipe. This process will reduce construction impacts to nearby businesses and eliminate the need for excavation. In some segments, the replacement and relocation of sewer pipe and manholes, along with the abandonment of the old structures, will require trenching and installing the pipeline. Bypass pumps and piping will be operated and monitored 24/7 during the sewer rehabilitation and replacement.

Water main replacement will take place by trenching and installing pipeline. Should disruptions to business or residential water service be needed, those impacted will be notified in advance.

Access to residences and businesses will be maintained during construction. There may be a need for driveway restrictions to businesses; however, the contractor will ensure there are alternate driveways open for access during any restrictions.

For more details about this project, visit the Sewer & Water Improvements: Dobson Rd. and Chandler Blvd. Project or call the project hotline at 480-898-4060.

Media contact: Toni Smith, Marketing and Communications Manager 480-782-2701