Can anyone tell me about Casa Grande? (Phoenix, Tucson: housing, condos)

[Livewire]

Originally Posted by Michigander in AZ

Interview went well and things are moving forward. I looked at the apartment communities of Las Brisas (a dump), Colony (alright), and Cottonwood Crossings (best of the 3 and will probably do). As far as avoiding scorpions in an apartment, would a second floor unit be better? Still kinda uncomfortable with checking my bed sheets every night. Probably still gonna get roaches though, huh? They must make some kind of metal screen inserts for drains (kitchen sink and bathroom) to prevent those things from climbing up out of the drains, right?

The Colony is 'so-so'. Overpriced like Center Park, but, well...
Cottonwood Crossing is great, Ive referred people there before and theyve all renewed their leases, they like it there. Ive even thought of going there but need a garage or a storage area for all my tools, ladders and electrical supplies, cant leave them all in my truck.
There is one solution to the bug problem and everywhere Ive lived, whether in Calif, Delaware or Az, they are inevitible. Its called sealing up every hole with caulking, every crack, nook and cranny in your place where they can crawl in and out. Ive done it and its inexpensive. Using the stoppers for the drains, though Ive never had anything come crawling out of mine anywhere. Weatherstripping and sealed screens, no gaps.
Just my 2c worth, though.

[Pebbs]

Husband and I are researching different area to move within 5 years. Have heard pros and cons. Hope to make a trip in near future and check out the area. We currently live in Sahuarita AZ. Talk about a growing town!! It is beautiful here and growing fast. We have two sons in Prescott area and Casa Grande would be a bit closer.

[Stumblina]

Casa Grande was one area (out of a few) that I was thinking about moving to. After reading this article that is posted on the U.S. DEA website, I think I'll stick with either Queen Creek or Gold Canyon:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 12, 2007
For Information Contact,
Special Agent Ramona Sanchez
Public Information Officer
(602) 664-5725
DEA Joins AZ DPS and Other Local and Federal Law Enforcement In Operation “Enough Is Enough”
Massive, unprecedented effort at taking back the streets in Pinal County from
violent, warring gang members and drug dealers

OCT 12 -- On Thursday, Oct. 11, 2007, 18 arrest warrants were served along with the execution of nine search warrants in Pinal County for known gang members, leaders and associates in a massive, unprecedented roundup aimed at breaking up a criminal syndicate responsible for a rising tide of gang-related murders and shootings in the last year. In addition to today’s arrests and activities, 44 individuals have been arrested during the last few months as part of the operation.

Operation “Enough is Enough” began during the past year after officers with the Casa Grande Police Department continued to be summoned to numerous murders that were occurring at an alarming rate. The murders the officers were summoned to and investigated were all related to what can best be described as a full-fledged “gang war” in Pinal County that was endangering the communities there. During this process they identified several alleged gang members that helped GIITEM and other law enforcement teams make numerous criminal cases through cooperative work.

The investigation and arrests were made by the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) Gang & Immigration Intelligence Team Enforcement Mission (GIITEM), the Pinal County Attorney’s Office, the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, the Casa Grande Police Department, The Coolidge Police Department, The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Eloy Police Department and the U.S. Marshal’s Service.

The arrests today are the culmination of a six-month investigation into gang-related violence and drug dealings in Pinal County including Casa Grande, Eloy and Coolidge.

“Drugs and violence go hand in hand. This deadly combination must be met with combined law enforcement expertise at the local, state, county and federal levels,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Elizabeth W. Kempshall. “DEA is committed to keeping violent drug traffickers off the streets and putting them where they belong—behind bars.”

“You can see by the number of agencies involved at the federal, state, county and local levels, there was a concerted effort to target those responsible for the violent crime wave and get them off the streets thereby making Pinal County a much safer place to live,” said Roger Vanderpool, Director of the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

“We have not had a concentrated, multi-agency law enforcement effort on a scale of this magnitude in a long time. The Pinal County Sheriff’s Office is proud to play a leading role in helping DPS along with federal and local law enforcement in conducting this investigation and making these arrests today,” said Chris Vasquez, Pinal County Sheriff.

“Gang violence and drug activity is unacceptable in any community, and had reached dangerous levels in and around the Casa Grande area. It is reassuring to know that local law enforcement can depend on county, state, and federal agencies to pull together in a joint operation to address problems that had become extreme. The City of Casa Grande and the Casa Grande Police Department is grateful to all of the agencies involved in this operation, especially the Department of Public Safety and the GIITEM program. These arrests today will give notice to the gang population that violence and on-going criminal activity will not be tolerated,” said Chief Robert Huddleston of the Casa Grande Police Department.

“Gang members and drug dealers are not deterred by geographical or jurisdictional boundaries. This operation, in which federal, state, county and municipal law enforcement agencies shared expertise, information and personnel sends a message to those who would break our laws and endanger our citizens that such boundaries are not a deterrent to us either,” said Bill Pittman, Chief of the Eloy Police Department.

“Where you find street gangs, drug organizations and violent criminals, you will find ATF agents. ATF is committed to fighting violent crime and making the streets of America safer. ATF shares its information and resources with our counterparts from federal, state, county and local agencies. When law enforcement agencies share information and resources these are the type of results you can expect,” said Jim Needles, Assistant Special Agent in Charge – Phoenix Field Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

“The arrests made during this operation will make a positive impact on the community of Casa Grande. It is important that law enforcement and the citizens of the community remain vigilant to ensure criminal groups do not prey on innocent people,” said U.S. Marshal David Gonzales.

“The Pinal County Attorney’s Office will continue to support all of the federal, state, county and municipal law enforcement agencies involved in Operation ‘Enough is Enough.’ I have created a Gang Prosecution Team composed of experienced and dedicated Deputy County Attorneys to pursue convictions and tough sentences for those arrested today and those who are subject to future indictments and arrests. Citizens of Pinal County are encouraged to come forward with information they may have on gang activities. Our aim is to create a safe and secure community for all in the central Pinal County communities,” said James P. Walsh, Pinal County Attorney.

The DPS Gang and Immigration Intelligence Team Enforcement Mission (GIITEM), a major force in Operation “Enough is Enough”, has experienced significant growth in the past 12 months while its responsibilities have also dramatically increased. Today it is a bureau with five districts, 101 sworn officers, and 74 personnel from agencies other than DPS. The GIITEM mission has expanded from gang enforcement to immigration and fraudulent identification investigations. The bureau has enhanced its capability to conduct complex criminal investigations and has significantly increased its emphasis on intelligence gathering and analysis.

[Livewire]

Originally Posted by Stumblina

Casa Grande was one area (out of a few) that I was thinking about moving to. After reading this article that is posted on the U.S. DEA website, I think I'll stick with either Queen Creek or Gold Canyon:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 12, 2007
For Information Contact,
Special Agent Ramona Sanchez
Public Information Officer
(602) 664-5725
DEA Joins AZ DPS and Other Local and Federal Law Enforcement In Operation “Enough Is Enough”
Massive, unprecedented effort at taking back the streets in Pinal County from
violent, warring gang members and drug dealers

OCT 12 -- On Thursday, Oct. 11, 2007, 18 arrest warrants were served along with the execution of nine search warrants in Pinal County for known gang members, leaders and associates in a massive, unprecedented roundup aimed at breaking up a criminal syndicate responsible for a rising tide of gang-related murders and shootings in the last year. In addition to today’s arrests and activities, 44 individuals have been arrested during the last few months as part of the operation.

Operation “Enough is Enough” began during the past year after officers with the Casa Grande Police Department continued to be summoned to numerous murders that were occurring at an alarming rate. The murders the officers were summoned to and investigated were all related to what can best be described as a full-fledged “gang war” in Pinal County that was endangering the communities there. During this process they identified several alleged gang members that helped GIITEM and other law enforcement teams make numerous criminal cases through cooperative work.

The investigation and arrests were made by the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) Gang & Immigration Intelligence Team Enforcement Mission (GIITEM), the Pinal County Attorney’s Office, the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, the Casa Grande Police Department, The Coolidge Police Department, The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Eloy Police Department and the U.S. Marshal’s Service.

The arrests today are the culmination of a six-month investigation into gang-related violence and drug dealings in Pinal County including Casa Grande, Eloy and Coolidge.

“Drugs and violence go hand in hand. This deadly combination must be met with combined law enforcement expertise at the local, state, county and federal levels,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Elizabeth W. Kempshall. “DEA is committed to keeping violent drug traffickers off the streets and putting them where they belong—behind bars.”

“You can see by the number of agencies involved at the federal, state, county and local levels, there was a concerted effort to target those responsible for the violent crime wave and get them off the streets thereby making Pinal County a much safer place to live,” said Roger Vanderpool, Director of the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

“We have not had a concentrated, multi-agency law enforcement effort on a scale of this magnitude in a long time. The Pinal County Sheriff’s Office is proud to play a leading role in helping DPS along with federal and local law enforcement in conducting this investigation and making these arrests today,” said Chris Vasquez, Pinal County Sheriff.

“Gang violence and drug activity is unacceptable in any community, and had reached dangerous levels in and around the Casa Grande area. It is reassuring to know that local law enforcement can depend on county, state, and federal agencies to pull together in a joint operation to address problems that had become extreme. The City of Casa Grande and the Casa Grande Police Department is grateful to all of the agencies involved in this operation, especially the Department of Public Safety and the GIITEM program. These arrests today will give notice to the gang population that violence and on-going criminal activity will not be tolerated,” said Chief Robert Huddleston of the Casa Grande Police Department.

“Gang members and drug dealers are not deterred by geographical or jurisdictional boundaries. This operation, in which federal, state, county and municipal law enforcement agencies shared expertise, information and personnel sends a message to those who would break our laws and endanger our citizens that such boundaries are not a deterrent to us either,” said Bill Pittman, Chief of the Eloy Police Department.

“Where you find street gangs, drug organizations and violent criminals, you will find ATF agents. ATF is committed to fighting violent crime and making the streets of America safer. ATF shares its information and resources with our counterparts from federal, state, county and local agencies. When law enforcement agencies share information and resources these are the type of results you can expect,” said Jim Needles, Assistant Special Agent in Charge – Phoenix Field Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

“The arrests made during this operation will make a positive impact on the community of Casa Grande. It is important that law enforcement and the citizens of the community remain vigilant to ensure criminal groups do not prey on innocent people,” said U.S. Marshal David Gonzales.

“The Pinal County Attorney’s Office will continue to support all of the federal, state, county and municipal law enforcement agencies involved in Operation ‘Enough is Enough.’ I have created a Gang Prosecution Team composed of experienced and dedicated Deputy County Attorneys to pursue convictions and tough sentences for those arrested today and those who are subject to future indictments and arrests. Citizens of Pinal County are encouraged to come forward with information they may have on gang activities. Our aim is to create a safe and secure community for all in the central Pinal County communities,” said James P. Walsh, Pinal County Attorney.

The DPS Gang and Immigration Intelligence Team Enforcement Mission (GIITEM), a major force in Operation “Enough is Enough”, has experienced significant growth in the past 12 months while its responsibilities have also dramatically increased. Today it is a bureau with five districts, 101 sworn officers, and 74 personnel from agencies other than DPS. The GIITEM mission has expanded from gang enforcement to immigration and fraudulent identification investigations. The bureau has enhanced its capability to conduct complex criminal investigations and has significantly increased its emphasis on intelligence gathering and analysis.

Not to change the subjuect but I remember when this took place not long ago. My daughter says there were areas in CG that were closed off and there is an elementary school that was in lockdown right in her neighbourhood for this reason, there were many homes and apts being raided, to catch these 'bad guys'. Sad thing is though, they failed to grab her useless convict husband.... ( ! )


Casa Grande, just like any other town, whether it be Tempe, Az City, Gilbert, Phx, whatever, will have its share of crime and punks. A aqquaintance of the family moved from Queen Creek to CG after their 10 yr old daughter and her 6 yr old brother found a dead man with a needle still stuck in his arm, laying on the ground at the apt complex where they lived in QC. It just depends on what part of town you live in, definately dont want to live south of Florence Blvd.

[NativeNYer]

My friend owns Corks Crew right down from the Cook e jar. Its a fun litle wine bar. I am single and 26. I unfortunately have to commute to Chandler everyday. That is horrible. But, the mall is 3/4 complete, so this place will be somewhat above boring. Plus, to own a house, you HAVE to live out here, unless you're ok with living in crummy mesa in a 30 yr. old home.

[CGPD-Retired]

Originally Posted by Stumblina

OCT 12 -- On Thursday, Oct. 11, 2007, 18 arrest warrants were served along with the execution of nine search warrants in Pinal County for known gang members, leaders and associates in a massive, unprecedented roundup aimed at breaking up a criminal syndicate responsible for a rising tide of gang-related murders and shootings in the last year. In addition to today’s arrests and activities, 44 individuals have been arrested during the last few months as part of the operation.

It is interesting that you chose the negative view concerning Casa Grande based on this article.

The positive view is that 44 criminals were actively hunted down, arrested and are being held for prosecution.

The City of Casa Grande Police Department, Pinal County Sheriff's Office, assisted by the DPS state gang task force and other federal agencies banded together to slam dunk these punks. This criminal behavior will not be condoned in this community.

What the article does not tell you is that there were no innocent citizens murdered or harmed, unlike many of the larger communities in the United States. These criminals targeted each other and the attacks were confined to thier neighborhoods.

Law adibing citizens only knew about these events from reading them in the local newspaper. Law adibing citizens were able to work, shop and socialize in a safe environment in which a call to 9-1-1 still results in an average response time of one minute or less. This is the postive side of this article.

Casa Grande has excellent police and fire departments. They also have more than sufficient medical facilites, as well as excellent city sponsored parks and recreation. Like sports? Want to play in a very active softball or volleyball season, almost year round? Come to Casa Grande.

Like to shop? Visit the plethora of shopping venues at one of the several malls or unique Mom & Pop shops. As previously mentioned, an absolutely huge Promenade Mall is just opening the first of four stages right off of Florence Blvd., and I-10. This competes extremely close with any shopping you will find in Phoenix or Tucson. The mall will also boast first class eateries.

In response to the person who submitted the obvious subjective photographs showing parts of Casa Grande in a negative manner. Shame on you for not taking and posting photographs of the absolutely beautiful historical locations in the city or of the wonderful architecture of modern facilites.

I worked 20 years as a police officer in Casa Grande and know it very intimately. Although I consistently saw the bad side based on my profession, I fell in love with this community. I have remained a resident and enjoy the controlled growth which still has the small town USA feeling.

An tragic event recently occured resulting in the untimely death of a CGPD sergeant during an accident while training. Hundreds of people lined the streets to pay respect and homeage to a fallen hero. Employers allowed staff to stop work while the funeral procession slowly passed by and many held thier hands over their heart and an American flag in the other. This was on a Thursday afternoon, not a weekend and still the streets were lined.

This is the caliber of the citizens who call Casa Grande home. It is a wonderful community.

[Living_o_nthedge]

Originally Posted by jenateare

I think some of you are exaggerating a bit and being some what unfair. I was in Casa Grande this weekend (relocating to AZ from Cincinnati in 3 weeks) and there's much more than Food City for grocery shopping. In fact, they have an Albertson's, a Safeway, and a Fry's as well. There's also much more for dining than BK or other fast food joints. There's also a Super Wal-Mart and two very large commercial centers going in that will, no doubt, bring in even better retail and dining choices. Hey, they even have a Starbucks!

That being said, I don't know that it's the right place for a single person either. But that depends on the lifestyle you're looking for. If you're looking to live in a smaller, quieter town and meet a nice girl to settle down with, maybe CG is the place for you. If you're looking for the swinging single life style, then you should probably take the advice of others and look into something on the southern side of Phoenix, like Chandler.

What about the churches? How do they play a role in Casa Grande?

[Living_o_nthedge]

Originally Posted by silverojo

Just one little warning about Casa Grande: All the nicer, newer homes are very close together, and very close to agricultural areas. Translated, you'll be smelling the scent of farmyard animals...a LOT.

If this doesn't bother you, it's a nice enough place. Me, I've got allergies, and couldn't even bear one day's worth of househunting.

Ok.. Thats the second time ive read something about the smell in Casa Grande.. Does the entire city smell???

[Stumblina]

Originally Posted by Living_o_nthedge

Ok.. Thats the second time ive read something about the smell in Casa Grande.. Does the entire city smell???

I didn't smell anything when I was there, but I was mainly going through new developments looking at homes. I don't know if that made a difference, but even when I was driving parallel to the railroad tracks, I didn't smell anything.

[Livewire]

Ive lived there for 8 years with no problems. Im thinking the smell you may be thinking of is the cattleyard near Maricopa? A lot of the cattle have been herded to other areas so they were able to use that land to build a lot of new houses in that general area. All they really did was scrape off the top layers of ground to level it but decades of cattle yukkie is still deep into the earth there. Other than that, Ive never really smelled anything in CG.