2010 … A Year of Tempe

A photo yearbook of stuff that happened(and a few pictures we took of media folks when we thought of it.)

Mike Watkiss and team on hazardous assignment – chasing Cupid and his helper on Mill Avenue last Valentine’s Day.

Tempe was one of more than 1,000 cities that applied for free Google fiber to be installed from border to border.

We have our fingers crossed and should know who wins around March.

I got married in March to former Republic photographer Mike Ging.

About 30 photogs showed up for our celebration – there was free food.

Work started on the historic Eisendrath House, with Boy Scouts planting hundreds of saguaros that were started from seen 20 years ago.

Fundraising continues to restore the house.

Improv AZ hosted many events in Tempe, such as the Epic Super Hero Battle in April. Groups like these make our city a fun place to hang out.

You never know what you’ll see next.

The inaugural Arbor Day 5K in April raised money to plant trees.

Songwriters’ Showcase brings talented emerging artists to perform with veterans like Billy Cioffi and Walt Richardson.

SeaLife

Sea Life Aquarium opened at

Arizona Mills Mall

in June.

Tempe Gateway was purchased by Paul Allen’s Vulcan Realty in July.

Hercules (Kevin Sorbo) opened the Tempe Dixon Golf corporate office in July with his legendary sword.

Town Lake burst on July 20. Here’s an aerial photo by Bruce Haffner, one of the many reporters who got the word out about the city’s progress

in reopening Town Lake.

Lots of you attended the press conference the morning after the break.

Healing Field: Thousands of flags at Tempe Beach Park each Sept. 11.

Diane and Jodie were out early often throughout the lake’s repair, along with so many others. Thanks to all of you for your

coverage!

Mayor’s annual Ironman Media Challenge pits media against the mayor for $1,000 to the

charity of the winner’s choice. Once again, Eric from College Times won.

Tim Hacker chased Keys to the City as a result of his reply to Mayor’s “You want a

piece of me, wimp” video challenge.

(videos embedded.)

Ironman Arizona came off without a hitch in November.

Jefferson Cochran at the Fantasy of Lights Street Parade.

Arnold Espinoza early in the morning at the Fantasy of Lights

Boat Parade Sneak Preview. April Warnecke is in the boat.

Iowa vs. Missouri at the Insight Bowl this Dec. 28. Hope you can make it!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

It’s been a challenging, fabulous, memorable year.

I’ve loved working with you and hope to see you

again in 2011.

Kris Baxter-GingCity of Tempe

Kris_baxter@tempe.gov480 250-5198