It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Casa Grande Ruins National Monument gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in San Tan Valley, AZ is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
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“My mother’s caregiver is patient when explaining computer issues, tv issues and other technical problems”
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“This is Kathy, Marcy did an assessment on my brother on January 14th who is”
“Caring, concerned, kind and always on time. Everyone was stellar and helped me care for”
“I am a past client of this provider Caring, concerned, patient, kind, and always on time.”
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“Getting to know Becky and staff I have learned to trust their deep concern for the people they care for, as well as the depth of knowledge that Always Best brings with them. Their thoroughness is their hallmark!”
“Everyone at Always Best Care are so friendly and helpful. We can tell that they genuinely care about us and our needs.”
“I cannot say enough positive things about this company. Becky and John have been incredibly helpful in helping me and my family understand the struggles and challenges of my elderly relative. With their guidance we have been able to speak with our beloved aunt and help her understand all of her choices and chose what is best for her. It's so important to have people who really understand the ins and outs of aging in place versus aging in a community. I highly recommend calling Always Best Care Senior Services if you really want to help the elderly loved ones in your life.”
“Great staff”
“I had a wonderful experience with this company providing home aids during a post-op recovery period of six weeks. I can't say enough about how professional, knowledgeable, friendly, courteous, punctual, responsive, skilled, discreet, and just great to have around a few hours per week during my home stay. Everything I needed done was done without question or complaining or unnecessary comments. And, with a great attitude! They were truly there to help and it was very comfortable having the aids in my home. They did so much to help my recovery go smoothly. I highly recommend Always Best Care and wouldn't hesitate to use their services again should the need arise.”
“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care of Mesa is very easy to work with. The owner, John, made us feel very good. The caregivers themselves are extremely good, and we're very happy with them. They are very receptive and always asking what they can do to help out. They are always willing to do anything that we've asked them to do, and they're very personable when talking to my dad when he needs someone to talk to. They provide basic assistance like preparing meals, cleaning around the house, helping with my dad's hygiene, and other non-medical assistance. The agency is extremely flexible in changing schedules when needed, and very responsive whenever I have questions. They are a very good agency and I highly recommend them. Definitely consider them when looking for home care. Their rates are extremely competitive, if not the best, and their people are very professional and caring.”
“They were great . They truly care about their clients”
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“I'm a caregiver for Always Best Care. It is the best company to work for. The management team are super helpful. They greatly care for their caregivers, and clients”
“My mother’s caregiver is patient when explaining computer issues, tv issues and other technical problems that are becoming increasingly frustrating. These things are so important to Mom when she feels forgetful and disconnected from family. I am glad we found Always Best Care. They really care for their clients.”
“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care has been fantastic! Always going out of their way to meet my needs. I am in a wheelchair and tasks are hard for me. One of my caregivers even put together a nightstand for me from IKEA so that I had a place to set important items I need at night. She was great! I would recommend Always Best Care Senior Services Mesa to anyone.”
“This is Kathy, Marcy did an assessment on my brother on January 14th who is in congestive heart failure . We were concerned with what kind of living situation would be best for him She suggested a senior living center as he would benefit from having help around during his set backs. Since I live 2000 miles away I really appreciated her help. We got him placed and her records helped his new home getting him situated. Thank you Kathy”
“Caring, concerned, kind and always on time. Everyone was stellar and helped me care for my loved one. Top notch!”
“I am a past client of this provider Caring, concerned, patient, kind, and always on time. What more can a loved one want for their loved one!”
“John and his team will give you the best care and best options. They are experts and will focus on your personal needs. If you need help and care for your loved one Always Best Care truly is the best care available. Your loved one matters and John will not let you down. Their commitment and care will put your mind at ease and provide care and support for you or your family member. This is a place you can trust to give their best. Thank you for all you do.”
“Always Best Care is an amazing company to work for. John and the team really care about their employees and also clients.”
“Other I use this agency to help me with my 87 year old Mother. Everytime I call, email or text them they get back with me right away. They always take good care of my Mom and show deep concern and care for my Mom. Right now I am only using them for transportation purposes but feel very safe when they come and pick up my Mom and take her to all her Doctor appointments or even when she needs to give blood they go inside with her and help her sign in. I highly recommend this agency.”
“Working for ABC Mesa puy my heart in a happy place. I felt I was appropriately paired with clients I wouldnt just get along with, but with my skills as well. I never had a client i was reluctant to go back to and I believe Trevor and John played a significant role in this.”
“Great family business that cares about your loved ones and has your best interest in mind. I highly recommend Always Best Care - Mesa”
“I am a current client of this provider We're currently using Always Best Care of Mesa. Their caregivers are very good. They help my mom with socialization, shopping, and light housework. Their scheduling is great, we've had no problems with it, and their billing is excellent.”
“Excellent caring staff who pay attention to the details. They are particularly kind. Excellent service.”
“Excellent caring staff who pay attention to the details. They are particularly kind. Excellent service.”
“Other Excellent agency with wonderful caregivers. I recommend ABC”
“Other I was visiting my sister-in-law while one of your caregivers was providing services. She was so polite, friendly and conscientious! She communicated clearly about everything she did (areas she cleaned, cat fed) and asked several times if there was anything else my sister-in-law needed before she left. I could tell she really cared and she encouraged her to call whenever she needed anything. I felt that my sister-in-law was in good hands! Thank you for providing such high quality care. ????”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting San Tan Mountain Regional Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Flemings Prime Steakhouse Wine Bar or visit Governor Hunt Tomb, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in San Tan Valley, AZ, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in San Tan Valley, AZ understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in San Tan Valley, AZ 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Each member will serve on the inaugural San Tan Valley town council until an open election can be held next August.SAN TAN VALLEY, Ariz. — Thursday night will mark a historic moment for a town in Pinal County.Seven community members will be sworn in to make up the very first San Tan Valley town council.Tyler Hudgins, Bryan Hunt, Gia Jenkins, Daniel Oakes, Daren Schnepf, Brian Tyler and Rupert Wolfert were selected by the Pinal County Board of Supervisors.Last week at a special meeting, each of them addressed...
Each member will serve on the inaugural San Tan Valley town council until an open election can be held next August.
SAN TAN VALLEY, Ariz. — Thursday night will mark a historic moment for a town in Pinal County.
Seven community members will be sworn in to make up the very first San Tan Valley town council.
Tyler Hudgins, Bryan Hunt, Gia Jenkins, Daniel Oakes, Daren Schnepf, Brian Tyler and Rupert Wolfert were selected by the Pinal County Board of Supervisors.
Last week at a special meeting, each of them addressed where the town’s revenue will come from.
Tyler Hudgins: "The four buckets that we collect taxes that go to the state, and then are distributed to all the municipalities. Thankful to incorporation, now those dollars will be coming to San Tan Valley. Those will be the initial dollars that will be coming in. The town would have the ability to start making some short-term decisions for the town in this first year.”
Bryan Hunt: "The majority of the revenues, I believe, could be coming from property taxes. There will also be sales taxes, the taxes on fuel. There are a number of different things that come through for revenue, but I believe the majority of those are coming from the property taxes.”
Gia Jenkins: "Besides the shared revenues that we'll eventually get, we need to do some kind of a sales tax model to be able to charge the different business codes, like construction, prime and speculative retail. Establish those parameters.”
Daniel Oakes: "Tax revenue, property taxes, sales taxes are the basics, I think that would be the beginning, and we'd have to cooperate with county on what that looks like in a transition. Maybe there's regulations about how transitions occur that we'll be educated about. I'm eager to be educated and work cooperatively with the county in a transition for that.”
Daren Schnepf: "There would be other opportunities that revenues would come from, like sales tax to garner from. Hopefully, something that wouldn't happen is property tax, but that property tax can be implemented. That could be used only for specific things, but I don't think that's something that you generally would want to do.”
Brian Tyler: "For right now, I would say state shared tax revenue and sales tax revenue along with property tax. But, that's kind of untouchable until you can get a public vote.”
Rupert Wolfert: "So ideally, what we'll be doing is adopting many of the similar county taxes that are already in place. The current structures, revenue streams, we will utilize that as a basis for funding the initial operations for the town.”
Each member will serve on the inaugural San Tan Valley town council until an open election can be held next August.
They will be sworn in on Thursday night at Central Arizona College's San Tan Campus.
San Tan Valley, which is home to approximately 100,000 people, officially became a town last week.
Pinal County will continue to provide services until the end of next June.
But, come July 1 of 2026, the town council has to be ready to serve the community.
The council has a long to-do list. They’ll have to look into hiring a town manager, and establishing a budget among other things.
The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to happen at 6 p.m.
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SAN TAN VALLEY, AZ — Pinal County Sheriff's Office is investigating after an 8-year-old student reportedly brought a gun to a San Tan Valley elementary school on Monday.The third-grader reportedly had a loaded firearm that the student was showing to friends on the campus of Copper Basin K-8 School, located within a neighborhood near Hunt Highway and Magma Road.Officials say school employees intervened, secured the weapon, which was a 9mm handgun, and contacted law enforcement around 1 p.m.The child did not make any...
SAN TAN VALLEY, AZ — Pinal County Sheriff's Office is investigating after an 8-year-old student reportedly brought a gun to a San Tan Valley elementary school on Monday.
The third-grader reportedly had a loaded firearm that the student was showing to friends on the campus of Copper Basin K-8 School, located within a neighborhood near Hunt Highway and Magma Road.
Officials say school employees intervened, secured the weapon, which was a 9mm handgun, and contacted law enforcement around 1 p.m.
The child did not make any threats toward students or staff.
PCSO says an investigation alongside the county attorney and the Arizona Department of Child Safety is underway.
Florence Unified School District released the following statement about the incident:
This afternoon, a third-grade student at Copper Basin Elementary School brought a loaded pistol onto campus. School administration was made aware of the situation, quickly identified the student involved, and secured the weapon without incident prior to the arrival of the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO).
The principal and staff followed all district safety protocols, maintaining a swift and calm response to ensure the safety of all students and staff. PCSO has taken possession of the firearm and will conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.
Florence Unified School District commends the principal and Copper Basin Elementary staff for their professionalism and composure in addressing this serious situation. The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority, and we are cooperating fully with law enforcement as the investigation continues.
Because this is an active investigation and involves a minor, no further details can be shared at this time.
Rita Ann EzzaiDirector of Public RelationsFlorence Unified School District #1
The newly incorporated community will have a council of seven representatives, who will be appointed by Pinal County's board of supervisors.SAN TAN VALLEY, Ariz. — A list of 14 candidates has been released of individuals who may be the first representatives to sit on San Tan Valley's new town council.The community of about 100,000 residents existed as an unincorporated area for many years, but now the region will have a council presiding over the operations of the newly created town.After a recent election resulted...
The newly incorporated community will have a council of seven representatives, who will be appointed by Pinal County's board of supervisors.
SAN TAN VALLEY, Ariz. — A list of 14 candidates has been released of individuals who may be the first representatives to sit on San Tan Valley's new town council.
The community of about 100,000 residents existed as an unincorporated area for many years, but now the region will have a council presiding over the operations of the newly created town.
After a recent election resulted in Pinal County residents voting to incorporate San Tan Valley as its own municipality, the county developed a system for determining who would serve as the town's first council members.
The county received 86 applications from interested candidates and 14 people have been selected to interview before the Pinal County Board of Supervisors on Sept. 15.
The board is expected to decide on Sept. 17 which seven candidates they want to appoint to the new council.
The 14 candidates are listed below with their current occupation and the length of time they have lived within the town's boundaries:
Applications submitted by the candidates can be found here.
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The free 12+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku, Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV.
12+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.
Users can also watch on-demand videos of top stories, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and vintage videos from the 12News archives.
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Seven people appointed by the Pinal County Board of Supervisors will serve on the San Tan Valley Town Council until an open election in 2026.SAN TAN VALLEY, Ariz. — San Tan Valley, home to approximately 100,000 people, is officially a town, and now, they have their voice.The Pinal County Board of Supervisors appointed seven people to serve on the inaugural town council until an open election can be held in August 2026.This development comes after San Tan Valley residents voted in favor of incorporating last month....
Seven people appointed by the Pinal County Board of Supervisors will serve on the San Tan Valley Town Council until an open election in 2026.
SAN TAN VALLEY, Ariz. — San Tan Valley, home to approximately 100,000 people, is officially a town, and now, they have their voice.
The Pinal County Board of Supervisors appointed seven people to serve on the inaugural town council until an open election can be held in August 2026.
This development comes after San Tan Valley residents voted in favor of incorporating last month.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity to be a part of this rare moment where we’re seeing the birth of the 92nd community in the state of Arizona," Tyler Hudgins, an appointed town council member, said.
The county will continue to provide services until the end of next June. Come July 1, 2026, the town has to be ready for action.
“Our focus again is laying the groundwork, the foundation, and then preparing for that handoff, and that can look like intergovernmental agreements with the county on services as well as developing our own services," Hudgins said.
The tasks that lay ahead are essential, including hiring a town manager, establishing a budget, and determining who will protect residents.
“The goal of the inaugural council was to develop not just a one-year vision, but a 20-year vision. That will inform what we do in the first year," Dan Oakes, an appointed town council member, said.
Most appointed council members told 12News their decisions will be made with the projected growth of San Tan Valley in mind.
“Ideally, what we are here to do, is we’re going to transition, but really set the town for what matters most," Rupert Wolfert, an appointed town council member, said.
This is also their opportunity to help San Tan Valley establish its own identity.
"For many years, San Tan Valley has relied heavily on neighboring towns and cities. My goal is to help develop a plan that meets the needs of our rapidly growing community, shaped by the voices of residents, not just developers. For the first time, our community has the opportunity to decide how we want our town to grow and thrive," Brian Tyler, an appointed town council member, told 12News in a statement.
Another priority these newly appointed council members agreed upon was creating a town where people can live, work and recreate.
"My vision is simple: we roll up our sleeves today so that tomorrow our children and grandchildren inherit a town they’re proud to call home. That means fiscal responsibility, strong infrastructure, and good, long-term jobs right here at home. It means protecting our water, expanding our roads, and investing in parks, family events, and safe places for our youth. This is our chance to build not just a government, but a community—strong, thriving and united," Bryan Hunt, an appointed town council member, told 12News in a statement.
These council members will be sworn in on Sept. 25, and plan to get to work right away to lay the foundation of San Tan Valley for decades to come.
“We have been a bunch of zip codes and homes strapped together. There hasn’t been a cohesive thing that has brought us together as a community. I want to see that for our residents," Hudgins said.
12News reached out to appointed council members Daren Schnepf and Gia Jenkins, but did not immediately get a response.
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A giant cloud of dust known as a haboob swallowed up the Phoenix area and was quickly followed by a monsoon that left thousands without power and flights grounded the evening of Aug. 25.Photos and videos of the haboob, a huge dust storm caused by strong winds from a thunderstorm, show the cloud consuming homes as it moved over Phoenix and surrounding areas. The dust darkened the sky in an almost apocalyptic scene.A monsoon storm followed the wall of dust and knocked the power out for thousands of people in Arizona, according to...
A giant cloud of dust known as a haboob swallowed up the Phoenix area and was quickly followed by a monsoon that left thousands without power and flights grounded the evening of Aug. 25.
Photos and videos of the haboob, a huge dust storm caused by strong winds from a thunderstorm, show the cloud consuming homes as it moved over Phoenix and surrounding areas. The dust darkened the sky in an almost apocalyptic scene.
A monsoon storm followed the wall of dust and knocked the power out for thousands of people in Arizona, according to the Arizona Republic, part of the USA TODAY Network. Flights were also delayed, and the storm caused damage to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
Here's what to know.
The monsoon hit San Tan Valley, Arizona, which is located about 47 miles southeast of Phoenix, at 5 p.m. local time. It reached downtown Phoenix within the hour.
Workers ending their days in downtown Phoenix shrieked in a mix of delight and fright as they ran for the cover of parking structures as winds whipped debris across wet streets, the Republic reported.
Video shows street signs trembling from the wind as the storm picked up debris and flung it around the streets in Phoenix.
Downed branches also littered sidewalks, and a flood advisory was issued.
About 41,000 customers of the Arizona utility company Salt River Project were left without power after the storm, and an additional 7,400 Arizona Public Service customers experienced an outage, the Republic reported.
The majority of people in Maricopa County, where Phoenix is located, had their power restored by the morning after the storm, according to USA TODAY power outage data.
Operations were halted at Phoenix Sky Harbor, where 104 flights were delayed and three flights were canceled, according to the airport's website.
The storm caused leaks and damage at the airport, and crews were assessing the damage.
Operations at the airport have since been resumed.
A haboob is an incredibly strong dust and sand storm that moves through hot and dry regions and is commonly found in the Sahara desert, the Arabian Peninsula, North Africa and the Gulf of Guinea, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The storms can also crop up in the Southwestern United States in states including Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. They form when a traveling thunderstorm cell causes air to be forced down and pushed forward, dragging with it dust and debris and creating a blowing wall as high as 10,000 feet.
Haboobs can arrive suddenly, reducing visibility to zero with the wall of dust that can be miles long. They can last a few minutes or up to a few hours.
"Blinding, choking dust can quickly reduce visibility, causing accidents that may involve chain collisions, creating massive pileups," the National Weather Service said.
Haboob is derived from the Arabic language, in which the word haab means wind or blow.
Contributing: Julie Mendes, Hayleigh Evans, Jose R. Gonzalez; Arizona Republic
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