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• Preliminary election results show lead for bed tax, charter props
• March 12 Mayor and Council Breakfast celebrates Giants’ spring training
• Google wants to hear from residents about idea for high speed fiber optics system
• Fix a Leak Week, March 15 - 21

• Scottsdale Arts Festival celebrates 40 years, March 12 – 14
• Register now for Cocktails and Cookbooks, March 26
• Former Mayor Jenkins’ memorial to be dedicated, March 27
• Spring Training continues through March
• Scottsdale Arts District presents Saturday Sounds concerts
• Sunday A’fairs continue on Civic Center Mall
• Scottsdale’s Singing Cowboy strolls downtown through March
• Downtown offers free stagecoach rides this month
• Canal Concert Series takes place Sundays through March
• Celebration of Fine Arts continues through March 28
• Party Before ArtWalk music series takes place Thursday evenings
• Native Trails continues through April on Civic Center Mall
• Attend Scottsdale’s farmers markets
• The Scottsdale ArtWalk takes place Thursdays
• LocalMotion Cultural Trolley Tours continue

• Volunteers needed for Water Safety Walk, March 27
• Register for Neighborhood College Classes
• Attend open house for proposed text amendment change
• Input sought on proposed text amendment revisions at pair of open houses
• Attend the Pima Road pre-construction open house
• Check your mailbox for Census form

• Check out the Environmental Excellence Awards exhibit
• March brush and bulk pick up schedule
• Idling is a turn off!
• Call the city before you drain your pool
• Wildflowers promise great show in Scottsdale’s preserve

• City offers free landscape workshops
• Vista del Camino presents free “Personal Positioning Workshop”
• Citrus Drop-off program continues through March 27
• AARP offers free tax assistance for eligible residents

PRELIMINARY ELECTION RESULTS SHOW LEAD FOR BED TAX, CHARTER PROPS
  
Preliminary results from the March 9 Scottsdale Special Election indicate all ballot propositions have passed.
Six propositions were on the ballot. Propositions 100, 101, 102, 103 and 104 proposed changes to the City Charter relating to elections. Proposition 200 proposed amendments to the Scottsdale Revised Code to increase from 3 to 5 percent the amount of transient lodging ("bed") tax required to be paid by hotels on their gross income.
Because of a potentially large number of “late early” and provisional ballots, final results for the Scottsdale election will not be available until after 5 p.m. Friday, March 12, according to election officials.
“Late early” ballots are those mailed to voters but not dropped off at the polls on election day. Provisional ballots are those that still must be verified.
Latest Scottsdale election results are available at http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/elections.

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MARCH 12 MAYOR AND COUNCIL BREAKFAST CELEBRATES GIANTS’ SPRING TRAINING

Blue skies, green grass and Giants – Residents are invited to celebrate spring training in Scottsdale at a special Mayor and City Council Breakfast Friday, March 12. The free program takes place in the open-air Right Field Pavilion at Scottsdale Stadium, 7408 E. Osborn Road.
Coffee, juice and a light breakfast will be provided starting at 7:30 a.m. The program begins at 8.  Scheduled speakers Giants president and chief operating officer Larry Baer and former Giants star player Will Clark will provide an insight into this year’s team.  Mayor W. J. “Jim” Lane, Vice Mayor Lisa Borowsky and other speakers will discuss the past, present and future of Scottsdale spring training with the San Francisco Giants.
Parking will be available in the City Court lot off of 75th Street, south of Indian School Road. Entrance to the breakfast will be through Stadium Gate A. From there, follow the signs to the Right Field Pavilion.
RSVPs are not necessary. For more information, call (480) 312-7825.

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GOOGLE WANTS TO HEAR FROM RESIDENTS ABOUT IDEA FOR HIGH SPEED FIBER OPTICS SYSTEM
 
Google, operator of the world’s No. 1 internet search engine, is embarking on a search of its own.  It’s looking for communities that want to test an extremely high speed fiber optics system – one that could deliver internet service to homes at speeds up to 100 times faster than currently available.
As part of its research, Google is asking Scottsdale residents to fill out a survey on their current internet use and why they would want faster service.  Scottsdale residents can find the survey at http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/googlesurvey.
Google is looking to test its trial system in communities with between 50,000 and 500,000 homes. It may pick just one location or it may pick several.
Google reports that its high speed network will be based on an “open access” model, meaning no single internet provider will be affiliated with the system. Google said it wants its network to be competitively priced with other carriers.
Scottsdale staff plans to respond to Google’s “request for information” on March 26. If selected, Google’s proposal to build its high-speed trial system would go through the city’s approval process, including a vote by the City Council.
For more information on Google’s proposal, visit the company’s Web site at
http://www.google.com/appserve/fiberrfi/.

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FIX A LEAK WEEK, MARCH 15 – 21
 
Spring is the perfect time for homeowners to check their household plumbing fixtures and outdoor irrigation systems for leaks.  Water leaks can account for 11,000 gallons of water wasted each year in your home.  That’s enough to fill a backyard swimming pool. 
Fixing leaks is easy and inexpensive.  It can save Scottsdale homeowners more than 10 percent on their water bills and preserves water for future use.  The most common types of leaks found in the home include leaking toilet flappers, dripping faucets and shower heads, and other leaking valves.
Scottsdale’s Water Conservation office suggests customers check their water bills every month and compare usage from previous months.  Even a moderate increase in water usage can be a signal of a small leak.
For tips on how to troubleshoot for leaks in your home and other water conservation tips and programs, visit www.scottsdaleaz.gov/water/conservation.asp.

UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS SCHEDULE

SCOTTSDALE ARTS FESTIVAL CELEBRATES 40 YEARS, MARCH 12 – 14

Explore the works of nearly 200 nationally-acclaimed exhibiting artists at the 40th annual Scottsdale Arts Festival Friday – Sunday, March 12 - 14 on the Civic Center Mall, 7380 E. Second St.  Enjoy continuous live entertainment from multiple stages, savor food and beverages from the valley’s top culinary establishments and experience creative fun in Imagine Nation -- the kids’ area.  Cost is $7 for adults, $5 for students and free for children 12 and younger.  Avoid traffic congestion by catching a free shuttle from downtown parking lots or the Loloma Transit Center.  For more information, call (480) 994-2787 or visit http://www.scottsdaleartsfestival.org.

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REGISTER NOW FOR “COCKTAILS AND COOKBOOKS,” MARCH 26

You can register now for Cocktails and Cookbooks, an evening to promote literacy in our community and in the kitchen.  Presented by Friends of the Scottsdale Public Library, the event is from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, March 26, at Appaloosa Library, 7377 E. Silverstone Drive.  It features speaker Robin Miller, host of Food Network’s Quick Fix Meals and author of Robin Rescues Dinner.  Cost is $30 in advance or $40 at the door.  All event proceeds benefit the nonprofit organization. Pre-register at www.foodieslikeus.com or call (480) 312-2420 for more information.

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FORMER MAYOR JENKINS’ MEMORIAL TO BE DEDICATED MARCH 27
 
The public is invited to the dedication of a memorial bench honoring former Scottsdale Mayor Bill Jenkins at 11 a.m. March 27 in front of City Hall, 3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd.
Jenkins served as Mayor from 1974 to 1980 and as a City Council member from 1966 to 1974.  During his tenure, Mayor Jenkins also taught social studies at Scottsdale High School -- just a short walk north from City Hall.
Family and friends will honor Jenkins at the event.
Mayor Jenkins guided Scottsdale through an era of rapid growth and challenging economic times. He witnessed the ground breaking and dedication of the Civic Center Mall and the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. Scottsdale garnered national attention for its innovation under Mayor Jenkins' leadership on the cost and administrative benefits of the city's fire protection contract with the Rural/Metro Corp.
Mayor Jenkins passed away in July 2008.
His tenure and community service are commemorated through a photo collection available at http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/education/mayorjenkins.asp.

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SPRING TRAINING CONTINUES THROUGH MARCH

The San Francisco Giants have returned to Scottsdale for the 2010 Cactus League season.  Tickets can be purchased by going to the Scottsdale Stadium box office, going online to www.sfgiants.com, or by calling (877) 473-4849.  To purchase group tickets, season tickets or to reserve the press box suites, ramada or patio, call (415) 972-2209.  To purchase tickets for the Charro Lodge and Pavilion, call (480) 990-2977 or visit www.charros.com/lodge.  For a game schedule and shuttle information, go to http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/stadium/springtraining.asp. 

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SCOTTSDALE ARTS DISTRICT PRESENTS SATURDAY SOUNDS CONCERTS

Saturday Sounds Concerts are from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays through March on the northwest corner of Main Street and Marshall Way.  The concerts are free and spotlight the best of the valley’s up-and-coming pop, rock and jazz musicians.  Concerts are presented by the Scottsdale Arts District in conjunction with the Scottsdale Gallery Association and the city.  For more information and a list of performers, visit www.scottsdalegalleries.com.

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SUNDAY A’FAIRS CONTINUE ON CIVIC CENTER MALL

Grab a blanket or lawn chair and relax at Sunday A’Fair from noon to 4 p.m. on March 28; and April 4 and 11.  This free afternoon mini-festival takes place on the beautiful grounds of the Scottsdale Civic Center Mall, adjacent to the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. The event features concerts and performances by the valley’s top entertainers, a diverse selection of arts and crafts available for sale, hands-on activities for children and families and free docent-guided tours of the sculptures on the Scottsdale Civic Center Mall. For information on specific performers, call the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts at (480) 994-ARTS or visit www.scottsdaleperformingarts.org.

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SCOTTSDALE’S SINGING COWBOY STROLLS DOWNTOWN DURING MARCH

Singing Cowboy Gary Sprague and his trusty steed Dusty are in Downtown Scottsdale from 1 to 4 p.m. every Saturday to serenade shoppers with Western classics and local folklore. Gary rides throughout Old Town, concluding his performance at the Rusty Spur Saloon, 7245 E. Main St.  Call the Downtown Office at (480) 312-7750 for more information.

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DOWNTOWN OFFERS FREE STAGECOACH RIDES THIS MONTH

You’re invited to take a free stagecoach ride through Downtown Scottsdale from 1 to 4 p.m. every Friday and Saturday in March.  You can catch the Stagecoach at Brown Avenue and Second Street, and while there, check out the Carriage Museum, a wonderful display of old carriages. Call the Downtown Office at (480) 312-7750 for more information.

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CANAL CONCERT SERIES CONTINUES SUNDAYS THROUGH MARCH 28

The Sunday Canal Concert Series continues in Downtown Scottsdale from 2 to 5 p.m. each Sunday through March 28.  Performances are on the Stetson Plaza at the east side of the Marshall Way Bridge.  For scheduled performances or more information, visit www.ScottsdaleAZ.gov/downtown.asp  or call (480) 312-7750.

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CELEBRATION OF FINE ARTS CONTINUES THROUGH MARCH 28

Watch art as it’s being created as more than 100 artists set up working studios at Celebration of Fine Arts through March 28.  Housed in the big white tents on Scottsdale Road, just south of Loop 101, Celebration presents a variety of art in all styles – from traditional to contemporary.  For times and admission fees, call (480) 443-7695 or visit www.celebrateart.com.

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PARTY BEFORE ARTWALK MUSIC SERIES TAKES PLACE THURSDAY EVENINGS THROUGH APRIL

The Party Before ArtWalk Music Series is from 6 to 9 p.m. each Thursday at the Metro Stage on Stetson Plaza at Southbridge near the Scottsdale Waterfront.  Concerts spotlight the best of the valley’s up-and-coming pop, rock and jazz groups.  The free series is presented by the Scottsdale Arts District in conjunction with the Scottsdale Gallery Association and the City of Scottsdale.  For more information or a list of performers, visit www.scottsdalegalleries.com.

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NATIVE TRAILS CONTINUES THROUGH APRIL ON CIVIC CENTER MALL

Native Trails, presented by the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation and produced by the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts and the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, continues on the Scottsdale Civic Center Mall. The series of free festivals runs from noon to 1:30 p.m. on most Thursdays and Saturdays through April, and includes memorable musical performances and traditional dances. Tribes represented include Yavapai, Zuni, Pima-Maricopa, Hopi, Apache and Diné (Navajo). The event celebrates Native American society and focuses on the individual cultures of these Southwest tribes. Performers present their history, pottery, textiles and more to introduce attendees to the diverse lifestyles. Each performance ends in an audience-participation round dance that draws in the crowd and completes the educational journey. Visit www.ScottsdaleNativeTrails.com for a complete schedule.

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ATTEND SCOTTSDALE’S FARMERS MARKETS

The charm and convenience of a farmers market are available in two Scottsdale locations.
Scottsdale’s Old Town Farmers Market is from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, through May, on the southwest corner of First Street and Brown Avenue.  It features a wonderful selection of fresh vegetables, fruits, organic produce and socializing.  Call the Downtown Office at (480) 312-7750 for more information.
The SkySong Evening Farmers’ Market runs from 3 to 7 p.m. every Thursday through March 25 under SkySong’s iconic shade structure, near the southeast corner of Scottsdale and McDowell roads.  The market features more than two dozen farmers, agriculturalists and food caterers and retailers, plus entertainment and musical performances. 
Visit www.skysongcenter.com for more information.

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THE SCOTTSDALE ARTWALK TAKES PLACE THURSDAYS

The Scottsdale ArtWalk takes place from 7 to 9 p.m. every Thursday in the Scottsdale Arts District, Main Street and Marshall Way. For more information, call (480) 945-8475 or visit www.scottsdalegalleries.com.

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LOCALMOTION CULTURAL TROLLEY TOURS CONTINUE

Ultimate Art & Cultural Tours provide free Cultural Trolley tours of Downtown Scottsdale take place at 10:30 a.m. the second Saturday of every month. The tours begin at the Old Town Farmer's Market parking lot on the northwest corner of Brown and Second Street.  From there, attendees tour the Old Mission and then board a trolley for a two-hour guided tour of the arts district, Civic Center campus, Hotel Valley Ho, Southbridge and the Waterfront.  Reservations are required.   Call (480) 634-6850.
 

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR WATER SAFETY WALK, MARCH 27

Volunteers are needed for the Fourth Annual Walk for Water Safety to be held from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 27.  Scottsdale Fire Department has partnered with Cardon Children's Medical Center and other valley fire departments for the program.  These agencies are united to educate the community about drowning prevention and to work toward a common goal: zero drownings in 2010.  Organizers are targeting visits to 60,000 homes valleywide to distribute information about water safety.  Besides Scottsdale, this year’s event also will include walks in Glendale, Peoria, Goodyear, Apache Junction, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert and Queen Creek.
Those interested in volunteering can contact Public Education Officer Lori Schmidt at (480) 312-1817 or lschmidt@scottsdaleaz.gov.  For more information about water safety, visit www.scottsdaleaz.gov/fire/preventdrownings.
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REGISTER FOR NEIGHBORHOOD COLLEGE CLASSES

Registration is ongoing for Scottsdale’s Neighborhood College, a series of free classes where residents and homeowner association board members can receive the information, resources and tools needed to become effective neighborhood leaders.  Pre-registration is required.
The March class schedule follows.  For a complete schedule, class description or to register, call (480) 312-2342, e-mail jracine@scottsdaleaz.gov or visit  http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/departments/planning/NeighborhoodServices/college.
** Your Time:  Tuesday, March 16, 6 to 8 p.m., Via Linda Senior Center, 10440 E. Via Linda, Room #4
** Can I Delete This?:  Wednesday, March 17, 6 to 7:45 p.m., Mustang Library Auditorium, 10101 N. 90th St.
** HOA Board Meetings:  How You Can Run them Legally, Fairly, Smoothly and Expeditiously:  Tuesday, March 23, 6 to 7:45 p.m., Mustang Library Auditorium, 10101 N. 90th St.
** Be a Life Saver:  Thursday, March 25, 6 to 8 p.m., Via Linda Senior Center, 10440 E. Via Linda, Room #4

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ATTEND OPEN HOUSE REGARDING A PROPOSED TEXT AMENDMENT CHANGE

The public is invited to attend an Open House regarding a proposed text amendment to the city’s Zoning Ordinance that may affect all properties currently zoned Single-Family Residential District (R1-70).  The applicant, Berry & Damore LLC, is asking to allow Residential Healthcare Facility to be established in the R1-70 residential district subject to a conditional use permit.  The Open House is from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 16, at Arabian Library, 10215 E. McDowell Mountain Ranch Road.  For more information, visit https://eservices.scottsdaleaz.gov/eServices/Cases/casesheet.aspx?caseid=37491 or contact Senior Planner Louisa Garbo at (480) 312-7976, lgarbo@ScottsdaleAZ.gov or Planner Joseph Collins at (480) 312-7675, jocollins@ScottsdaleAZ.gov.

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INPUT SOUGHT ON PROPOSED TEXT AMENDMENT REVISIONS AT PAIR OF OPEN HOUSES

The public is invited to a pair of Open Houses that would address two topics for updating the Zoning Ordinance.  The goal is to establish more useful and easy to understand language.  Attend one of two Open Houses:  Wednesday, March 17 or Thursday, March 18, both from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at One Civic Center, 7447 E. Indian School Road. 
First, definitions and related words to be discussed include:  after hours establishment, high-rise building, pool hall, school, special flood hazard areas, swimming pool, and tattoo; and, second, for discussion is security enhancements for walls and fences.
Contact Project Coordination Liaison Kira Wauwie at (480) 312-7898 or kwauwie@ScottsdaleAZ.gov for more information.

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ATTEND THE PIMA ROAD PRE-CONSTRUCTION OPEN HOUSE

Learn about construction plans for improvements along Pima Road from Via de Ventura to McDowell Road at an Open House from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 24, at the Inn at Pima, 7330 N. Pima Road.   Construction is slated to begin this spring.  The first phase of the project is from Via de Ventura to just south of Indian Bend Road.  No additional right-of-way will be needed for these improvements.
This project is a partnership among the city, Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community, Maricopa Associations of Governments and Arizona Department of Transportation.
More information can be found at www.pimaroadprogress.com.

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CHECK YOUR MAILBOX FOR CENSUS FORM

You can provide a great service to our community this year by filling out a quick Census survey.  Start looking for the form in your mailbox. The 2010 Census form is the briefest questionnaire ever - only 10 questions – and takes about 10 minutes to complete. It's critical to get surveys returned for two reasons: local governments miss out on about $1,500 per person for every person missed, and the federal government saves about $90 million for every 1 percent increase in the response rate.
For more information on the Census, visit http://2010.census.gov.

CHECK OUT THE ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLECE AWARDS EXHIBIT

A traveling exhibit of winning entries in Valley Forward’s 29th annual Environmental Excellence Awards program will be on exhibit through March 17, at the city’s One Civic Center building, 7447 E. Indian School Road.
The exhibit spotlights local projects, technologies and programs recognized in Arizona's oldest and largest awards program of its kind. The Gateway to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve was recognized for work done to re-vegetate the site, the use of rainwater harvesting for water and solar energy to provide its power needs.
For more information about Valley Forward and the Environmental Excellence Awards, call (602) 240-2408 or visit www.valleyforward.org.

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MARCH/APRIL BRUSH AND BULK PICK UP SCHEDULE

The city provides monthly brush and bulk item collection, offering residents a convenient way to dispose of items too large for refuse containers. Residents are asked to have brush and bulk items out for pick up by 5 a.m. on Monday the week of scheduled service.
Here's the upcoming schedule:
** Bell Road to Cholla Street and Dynamite Boulevard to northern city limits: Week of March 29.
** Cholla Street to McDonald Drive and Dynamite Boulevard to Happy Valley Road - includes Sundown Drive between Cactus Road and Shea Boulevard: Week of April 5.
** Happy Valley Road to Pinnacle Peak Road and McDonald Drive to Thomas Road:  Week of March 15.
** Pinnacle Peak Road to Bell Road and Thomas Road to McKellips Road: Week of March 22.
For more information, contact the city's Solid Waste Management Division (480) 312-5600 or visit http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/recycle.

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IDLING IS A TURN OFF!

Today’s cars burn more fuel in just 30 seconds of idling than they do during a restart.  So turn off your car, then restart it.  For more information about air quality or city environmental programs, go to http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/Topics/EnvironmentPreservation.asp or call the Environmental Hotline at (480) 312-7899.

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CALL THE CITY BEFORE YOU DRAIN YOUR POOL

If your home has a swimming pool and needs to be drained at any time for repairs or maintenance, contact Water Resources at (480) 312-5650 before doing so.
Your home’s sewer system drains into a sewer main that must first pass through one of the city’s sewer lift stations on its way to the wastewater treatment plant.  Notifying the city first will allow sewer system operators to prepare for the increase in flow. 
The city encourages reusing the water from your swimming pool to irrigate your landscaping.  If there is more water than you need for your landscaping, the excess water must be disposed into the city’s sewer system by using the sewer clean-out located on your property.  Disposing of excess pool water into the street, alley, and manhole or nearby washes is strictly prohibited. 

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WILDFLOWERS PROMISE GREAT SHOW IN SCOTTSDALE’S PRESERVE
 
Generous winter rains may deliver a spectacular show this spring in Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve – wildflowers!
Colorful displays are already beginning to bloom along the preserve’s two dozen maintained trails with yellow carpets of brittle bush contrasting with the fiery red blossoms of Chuparosa. Still to come are Lupine, Crimson Hedgehog, Staghorn Cholla, Mexican Gold Poppy and other varieties of wildflowers.
Nine trailheads are open, connecting to a trail system totaling 60 miles. You can access the trails from several locations throughout the preserve. For maps, locations and more information on the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, visit: http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/preserve.
There is also a high-tech way to get information on the best wildflower locations in the preserve.  The McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, a non-profit group that works in partnership with the city on the completion and sustainability of the preserve, is operating a “Wildflower Watch” this spring.  It features reports from dozens of volunteer Conservancy stewards who are out and about in the preserve reporting on the best wildflower locations. To get their daily insights, visit the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy’s Web site at http://mcdowellsonoran.org, click on “activities” and then “recreation.”

CITY OFFERS FREE LANDSCAPE WORKSHOPS

Help get your garden off to a good start by attending free Water Conservation Spring 2010 Landscape Workshops.  From pruning to edible gardening to drip irrigation design and maintenance, there is a class for everyone. Workshops are held evenings at the Via Linda Senior Center, 10440 E Via Linda, and some Saturdays at the Scottsdale Xeriscape Garden, 5601 N Hayden Road.
Advanced registration is required for all workshops and can be made by going online to www.scottsdaleaz.gov/Water/Conservation/workshops/WorkshopReg.asp or by calling (480) 312-5690.  Confirmations will be provided.
The remaining workshops include:
** March 13 - Learn to Prune:  This hands-on workshop teaches you how to prune to promote the beauty, strength, and health of your trees. (Scottsdale Xeriscape Garden)
 ** March 20 - Irrigation Maintenance, Troubleshooting, & Repair:  Get the basics on good maintenance practices, advice on problem solving and techniques you can use to keep your landscape irrigation running smoothly. (Scottsdale Xeriscape Garden)
 ** March 23 - Liven up Your Yard:  Learn how to use colorful flowers and desert plants to attract backyard wildlife.
 ** March 25 - Landscape Makeover:   This new workshop teaches you how to properly turn your grass yard into exciting outdoor living spaces for your family.
** March 30 - Program Your Irrigation Timer:  This hands-on workshop will provide you with step-by-step instructions for setting and adjusting your irrigation timer.
For more water conservation tips or information on the free landscape workshops, visit http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/Water/Conservation.asp.

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VISTA DEL CAMINO OFFERS FREE PERSONAL POSITIONING WORKSHOP

Vista del Camino’s Career Center is offering a free “Personal Positioning Workshop” from 1 to 3 p.m. Thursday, March 25, at the center, 7700 E. Roosevelt.  Industry expert Paula Satow will help participants define their personal brand, logo and tagline so they can improve their resume and business cards, boost their job search and enhance career development strategies.  Those wanting to attend must register by contacting the center at (480) 312-2323 or Job Preparation Specialist Ruben Camacho at  rcamacho@ScottsdaleAZ.gov.

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CITRUS DROP-OFF PROGRAM CONTINUES THROUGH MARCH 27
                                                       
Scottsdale and Phoenix Arcadia residents are joining forces to remove citrus from area properties to help control the roof rat population.
The Citrus Drop-off Program continues Saturdays through March 27.  Residents are encouraged to drop off all viable/edible fruit from 8 a.m. to noon; commercial drop off will be from 8 to 10 a.m. and those wanting to pick up citrus can do so from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.  The program will be at the Elk's BPOE Scottsdale Lodge parking lot, 6398 E. Oak St.  In addition, volunteers will be on site from 9 to 11 a.m. to provide information about rodent eradication, home-proofing and landscape care.  Personal Use Bait Stations (PUBS) – used to house rodenticide – will also be available for $5 each.
For more information about this program or roof rat mitigation, residents should contact the Arcadia NEIGHBORtoNEIGHBOR Campaign at (602) 273-0435, www.roofrat.net or the City of Scottsdale at (480) 312-3111, www.ScottsdaleAZ.gov/health/roofrats/general.asp.
To report a rat or for answers to health or safety questions, contact Maricopa County Vector Control at www.maricopa.gov/envsvc or (602) 506-6616.

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AARP OFFERS FREE TAX ASSISTANCE FOR ELIGIBLE RESIDENTS

The AARP Tax-Aide program is available to help individuals, families and elderly taxpayers of low to moderate income prepare and file their income tax returns - free of charge.  Electronic filing is available at each site.
These free AARP tax preparation sites are open through April 15:
** Granite Reef Senior Center, 1700 N. Granite Reef Road, (480) 312-1700
** Via Linda Senior Center, 10440 E. Via Linda, (480) 312-5810
** Paiute Neighborhood Center, 6535 E. Osborn Road, (480) 312-0040
Bring the following information:
** Last year’s tax return
** SSA-1099 form if you were paid Social Security Benefits
** W-2’s and 1099-R’s from any and all employment, pension, or IRA distribution
** All other 1099’s for interest, dividends, and brokerage statements
** Your COST BASIS on any stocks or bonds you sold in 2009
** If you bought a home, condo or co-op in 2009 or 2010 and think you may be eligible for the home-buyer credit, bring the closing statement
** If you paid property taxes in 2009, bring the tax statement even if you don’t itemize
** If you bought a new car or motorcycle in 2009, bring the purchase document even if you don’t itemize

PHOENIX HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY AT PINNACLE PEAK PARK

The Phoenix Herpetological Society will be at Pinnacle Peak Park from 9 to 11 a.m.  Saturday, March 20, with a variety of reptiles commonly found in the Sonoran Desert. It’s a great opportunity to talk with wildlife educators and see the reptiles in a safe environment. The park is located at 26802 N. 102nd  Way. For more information, call (480) 312-0990.

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ARIZONA HISTORICAL SOCIETY HOSTS PHOTOGRAPH FAIR

The public is invited to view photos at the Arizona Historical Society’s (AHS) Historic Photograph Fair.  The program will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 20, at the Arizona Historical Museum, 1300 N. College Ave., Tempe.
Awards will be presented to the top three entries in each of six categories:  People, Business & Commerce, Life Styles, Cities & Towns, Transportation and Events.  The event also will feature a book sale by Arcadia Press, camera club displays, guest speakers, and photography-themed activities for children.  Admission to the museum will be free.
For more information, contact Jeannine Moyle at (480) 585-4872 or the AHS Museum at (480) 929-0292, ext. 126.

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ELDORADO PARK HOSTS WEDGE SKATE PARK COMPETITION, MARCH 27

Check out great board tricks Saturday, March 27 at Scottsdale’s 11th Annual Wedge Skate Park Competition.  The competition is for all ages and takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Eldorado Park skateboard facility, located east of Miller Road and just north of McDowell Road.  There is an $8 pre-registration fee for those who want to compete.  There will be a live DJ, giveaways and prizes for winners in each age group. For more information, call (480) 312-0217 or e-mail: dmiller@ScottsdaleAZ.gov