Scottsdale Update - April 10, 2023

HEADLINE NEWS

Should the city amend the zoning map to designate Scottsdale City Hall within a historic property district? Let us know your thoughts at one of two meetings: Wednesday, April 12, or Thursday, April 13. Both run 5-6:30 p.m. at One Civic Center, 7447 E. Indian School Road, Suite 105, Community Development conference rooms 1 and 2. Scottsdale’s Historic Preservation Commission identified City Hall as a site with potential historic significance. The proposal assists in protecting, preserving and enhancing an example of Scottsdale’s past. Scottsdale City Hall was built in 1968 and represents the work of master architect Bennie Gonzales and is an example of the Pueblo Revival architectural style. Learn more (pdf).

Mayor David D. Ortega has proclaimed April 16-22 Volunteer Appreciation Week in Scottsdale. Last fiscal year, more than 3,234 volunteers contributed 88,367 hours of service citywide, which is valued at $2,474,276 hours or just over 42 full-time positions. Join us in celebrating volunteers and let them know they’re a treasured part of what makes Scottsdale a world-class community. Ready to lend a hand? Learn how.

April is Safe Digging Month. Have you ever wondered what the different colored markings on roads or in yards are? They’re a sign that a homeowner or contractor has put safety first and had utility lines identified prior to excavation. Utility lines that serve the community with vital services such as natural gas, electricity, sewer and water can be buried anywhere. Striking a utility line not only poses a safety risk but can also cause an interruption of service to customers. Learn more

Know it all! Connect with the city to give and get information that matters to you. Here’s how.  


PUBLIC MEETINGS

Get a head start learning about city issues, projects and activities by attending or listening in on the many public meetings we host. Here’s what’s coming up: 


THINGS TO DO

Enjoy senior talent at Entertainment Extravaganza. This event features more than 25 senior citizens singing, dancing, doing magic and performing comedy acts. Attend at 1 p.m. Thursday, April 13, at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second St. 

Scottsdale Gallery Association hosts Gold Palette ArtWalk, “Old World Meets New World.” This special event showcases and honors the artists of the past as well as the artists of tomorrow. It features live music, refreshments and dedicated exhibitions within participating galleries. ArtWalk runs 6:30-9 p.m. Thursday, April 13, in Old Town’s Arts District. Get details.

Help the Scottsdale Sister Cities Association celebrate its 35th anniversary with Cairns, Australia. Join us at 4 p.m. Saturday, April 15, at the Scottsdale Artists’ School, 3720 N. Marshall Way, to view an exhibition showcasing watercolor scenes of Scottsdale and Cairns. Enjoy refreshments, an opportunity to learn about Sister Cites and interact with artists from both cities. RSVP.

Show off your moves at the Glow Up Family Dance Party. This free event runs 6:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday, April 15, at Cactus Park, 7202 E. Cactus Road. Enjoy a D.J., foam party, glow games and more! 

April’s Civil War Roundtable features Civil War Historian Lesley Gordon. Professor Gordon has widely published on Civil War topics throughout her career. She published a biography of Maj. Gen. George Pickett and followed that with a history of the 16th Connecticut Volunteers. Her lecture, “A Badge of Conspicuous Gallantry: Allegations of Cowardice in a Civil War Regiment,” focuses on a Confederate cavalry unit.

The Scottsdale Civil War Roundtable meets Tuesday, April 18, at Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd. The lecture starts at 5 p.m.; doors open at 4 p.m. for book sales and a speaker meet and greet. You can also join via Zoom

Scottsdale Earth Week celebrates commitment to sustainable future. From volunteer road cleanups and guided nature walks in our beautiful preserve, to an edible garden presentation and xeriscape garden tour, Scottsdale has a full lineup of events for everyone looking to recognize Earth and Arbor days. Scottsdale Earth Week begins on Earth Day, from 8-11 a.m. Saturday, April 22, with a Green Expo at the North Corporation Yard. Join us for a special rededication ceremony of the “Son of Godzilla,” the Scottsdale invention that advanced modern trash and recycling pick up and explore sustainability-focused educational booths.

The commemoration concludes on Arbor Day, Friday, April 28, with a tree-planting ceremony to celebrate Scottsdale's 41st year as a Tree City USA community. Earth Week flyer (pdf)

Ongoing:

  • The Rich Legacy of Scottsdale Spring Training. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. through April, at Scottsdale Civic Center Library. This new exhibit provides a whimsical and thought-provoking journey through more than six decades of baseball at Scottsdale Stadium and its home city. 

Get more events information


PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

Scottsdale Mayor’s Youth Council invites teens to join them for the Youth Town Hall, “Unleashing Your Passion.” Dr. Broberg and Arizona State University students will advise participants how to successfully launch from high school into post-secondary education. The free program runs 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 30, at Scottsdale Stadium, 7408 E. Osborn Road. Dinner, raffles and fun! Register.

Last chance! Volunteer Income Tax Assistance professionals will assist citizens with tax preparation Thursdays through April 13. The free service takes place 3-7 p.m. at Vista del Camino, 7700 E. Roosevelt St. Appointments aren’t necessary. Bring a photo ID, Social Security card, spouse and dependent information, income information and last year’s tax returns. Contact VITA nonprofit Masters of Coin website has answers for more information.  

Vista del Camino is accepting Back to School program enrollment applications. Enrollment is open for families needing clothes and school supplies for the fall. Eligibility requirements include:

  • At or below 200% federal poverty level

  • Have at least one child in kindergarten through 12th grade for the 2023/24 school year

  • Reside in Scottsdale or have students enrolled in Scottsdale or Scottsdale Unified School District

Learn more and enroll – English, Spanish


FYI

City’s Chief Information Officer Bianca Lochner named in Top 25 Doers, Dreamers and Drivers. Government Technology’s Top 25 Doers, Dreamers and Drivers represent a diverse group of IT and other professionals united by one goal: making public-sector services better for residents. This year’s winners demonstrate an unwavering commitment to ensure the systems that run government nationwide are accessible, reliable and fit for the 21st century. Read more.

Watch the latest Fast Five. Join us in celebrating Scottsdale’s amazing volunteers, discovering the many benefits of biking and learning more about the city's conservation efforts. These are just a few things highlighted in this month’s episode of Fast Five. Watch now.

Scottsdale Memorial for the Fallen dedication available to watch online. The city hosted a ceremony last month to honor 66 residents of the Scottsdale area, including nearby Native American communities, who lost their lives serving our country. The monument is on Scottsdale City Hall’s Memorial Lawn, 3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd. View here.

Investing in Our Scottsdale: Horizon Park’s playground renovation is underway. A new play structure for children ages 2-12 will feature fun and challenging elements, new paint for the swings and a new shade structure. The project will take approximately four weeks and is expected to be complete this month. Learn about Horizon Park

History Mystery: How streets got their names – Drinkwater Boulevard. The city renamed Civic Center Boulevard to Drinkwater Boulevard to honor former Mayor Herbert. R. Drinkwater. Drinkwater participated in the Scottsdale Town Enrichment Program (STEP) and served on the city’s Design and Review Committee. “Mr. Scottsdale,” as he was known, served Scottsdale citizens for 24 years, eight as city councilman and 16 as mayor. Drinkwater died at 61 in December 1997. Learn more about Drinkwater.

Job of the Week: Police Crisis Intervention Specialist. Duties of this rewarding position include responding performing intervention and assessment services in areas such as: domestic violence, sexual assault, mental health emergencies, child maltreatment and runaways. Learn more and apply.


QUICK LINKS:

  • City Call Center – 480-312-3111    


Scottsdale What Works Cities 2023 Gold certification

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