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A look back at this week in Surprise history

Posted 8/17/22

Here is a look at Surprise history through the years on this week.

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A look back at this week in Surprise history

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Here is a look at Surprise history through the years on this week, compiled from archives of Independent Newsmedia, Newspapers.com and the city of Surprise historical records:

1927

The Beardsley Land and Investment Company sells 40,000 acres of land to Pacific Development Company, a Los Angeles company that specializes in developing citrus properties. The “Arizona Republican” calls it “the largest real estate deal on record in Arizona.”

1988

The Surprise Common Council approves the town’s first property tax, three months after voters rejected a 1% tax by a tie vote (117-117). State law allows the council to approve up to 95% of the tax voters rejected. The first tax bill will show up for homeowners in November.

1991

Surprise police plan to purchase its first drug-sniffing dog. It will cost the department about $3,000.

1998

Beazer Homes opens Ashton Ranch, its master-planned community at Bullard Avenue and Waddell Road.

2000

The Surprise City Council discusses negotiations to bring in spring training baseball in an executive session meeting. The Texas Rangers acknowledge they have had talks with the city. However, City Public Information Officer Dave Reuter calls the chances of attracting a team a “long shot.”

2002

The Surprise City Council votes to ban smoking in all city parks and near organized city events.

2013

Rachel Villanueva is appointed to the Surprise City Council to serve District 4 after the death of her husband, Roy, in July.