Bridges Preschool’s further expansion in the East Valley in the last few months is opening plenty of doors — not just for young children, but high school students as well.

It’s not every day a fifth-grader, an HVAC tech, a stay-at-home mom, a teacher or a sales manager can pitch in on a gigantic, real-world science project.

John Santos of Los Angeles wants his home to be a healthy gathering place for family and friends, some of whom are recovering from major illness. As part of his effort, he recently had his home's ductwork professionally cleaned.

When Tamee and George Simbles moved into their 3,100-square-foot home last week, they became the first family to reside in a new SRP ENERGY STAR Home. While house hunting, Tamee wanted to downsize to a single-story home “with less space to clean” but still needed a bonus room so her three boys had their own space, and energy efficiency topped her list.

Mesa students will see new computers, Dobson High School will get new classrooms, and the district’s transportation centers will be rebuilt after voters approved a $230 million bond program Nov. 6.

Crescent Crown Distributing recently completed the building of an “eco-friendly” 335,000-square-foot facility, according to a release.

Demonstrating his knowledge of electrical circuits, Jacob Gerken, a Queen Creek High School senior, deftly connects wires to make a light bulb glow.

Higley Unified School District’s governing board is opposing a planned 4.8 percent increase in electric rates by SRP, and is hoping other school districts take similar action.

I recently received unwelcome news, and although it wasn’t a surprise, it’s something you’re never fully prepared to hear. No doubt about it, I was told, the days of an invaluable member of my household are numbered.

Just as the plume of black smoke from a Gilbert warehouse fire in June could be seen for miles, the blaze’s impact has had a Valleywide impact on plumbing contractors — and on customers waiting for a plumber to make repairs.

Less than three weeks after a Gilbert warehouse fire sent black plumes of smoke into the sky, the wholesale company that lost $8.1 million in inventory announced plans to rebuild. Farnsworth Wholesale will move its headquarters to a 30,000-square-foot warehouse near Mesa’s Falcon Field starting July 16, company Vice President Jack Stapley wrote in a letter to customers.

A potential bond question for Mesa schools may be smaller than a community committee recommended, based on a discussion this week by the district’s governing board.

A group of teachers, students and business leaders is looking at Mesa Unified School District’s 87 schools to help identify immediate facility needs and craft a long-term plan as the aging district continues to see stagnant or declining enrollment.

With growing demand for technicians and temperatures averaging greater than 100 degrees for three or more months annually, there is a demand for more workers trained in heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC)

Facing $145 million in needed building renovations and construction, the Mesa Unified School District will craft a facilities plan for the governing board in the next few months in order to decide whether to put a bond issue on the November ballot.

Ace Air is seeking nominations from local charities of families in need of air-conditioning this summer, including unit replacement, repair services and tune-ups. The free service is part of the HVAC company's Ace AirCares initiative.

Ace Air of Phoenix is launching Ace Air Cares, which will provide free air conditioning for Phoenix-area charities during the hot summer months.

It may be easier to start a small business or new construction project in the city of Phoenix soon as the city is streamlining some permit processes.

It may be easier to start a small business or new construction project in the city of Phoenix soon as the city is streamlining some permit processes.

For many Valley homeowners, poorly insulated homes and inefficient air conditioning systems mean summer starts a little earlier and sometimes lasts well into the fall. Aging homes not equipped to handle the intense summer heat, including many in the Sun Cities, not only can drain homeowners’ pocketbooks, but also their energy.

The Tempe Elementary School District voted unanimously Wednesday night not to rebuild two of its aging campuses.

The main Mesa Public Library at 64 E. First St. will be closed Oct. 4-5 while the air conditioning, heating and ventilation system is shut down for repairs.

There's a collective sign of the times going on in East Valley school districts.