Scottsdale Update - April 3, 2023

HEADLINE NEWS

April is Water Awareness Month. The most important action you can take as a water consumer is maintaining a water-efficient property – inside and out. By doing so, you minimize water waste and conserve energy, which then reduces your water and sewer costs. Small steps like fixing household leaks can have a significant impact, but sometimes it's hard to know exactly where to start and how to tell if your home is water efficient. Get started:

  • Get a free outdoor water efficiency check from Scottsdale Water - Call 480-312-5650 to schedule.

  • Look at your water use via the WaterSmart portal which gives homeowners and business owners hour by hour water data in easy-to-understand graphics. 

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).

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. Get Earth Week details.


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

Learn about the history of Navajo weaving and the Toadlena Trading Post. Instrumental in preserving the Toadlena/Two Grey Hills weaving style, speaker Mark Winer has been involved in collecting, researching and dealing in both historic and contemporary Navajo, as well as other southwestern textiles, since 1970. The program starts at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 6, at Western Spirit, Scottsdale’s Museum of the West. The program is free with museum admission. Register.

Celebrate an “Old West” spring at Bunnanza. This free event features live country music, entertainment, egg hunts, interactive booths, food vendors, a mimosa garden and more. It takes place 9 a.m.-noon, Saturday, April 8, at Scottsdale Civic Center, 3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd. 

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.

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 Sister Cities Association hosts full slate of activities:

  • April 4 - Arizona Gives Day

  • April 9-15 - Alamos students and firefighters in Scottsdale

  • April 15 - 4-5:30 p.m., Urban Sketchers of Cairns and Scottsdale Art Reception, Scottsdale Artists School

  • April 22 - Young Artists and Authors Showcase awards ceremony, 2-3 p.m., Civic Center Library

  • Ongoing Art Exhibits:
    • Young Artists and Authors Showcase highlights of 2022, Mustang Library
    • Young Artists and Authors Showcase 2023, Civic Center Library
    • Kingston Teen Art Exchange, Appaloosa Library

The association’s mission is to promote the city as an ambassador of international friendship and goodwill through student, educational, cultural and economic development exchanges. Learn about the Scottsdale Sister Cities Association and the events listed.

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. 

  • Scottsdale ArtWalk: Scottsdale is home to more than 100 galleries, dedicated to exhibiting the finest visual art from around the world and locally. Stroll at your own pace. 7-9 p.m. Thursdays. Specialty-themed Gold Palette ArtWalks are held 6:30-9 p.m. about once a month. 

  • Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market: The market features more than 100 local growers and specialty food producers. It runs 8 a.m.-1 p.m. every Saturday through June at 3806 N. Brown Ave. 

  • Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts: Attend exciting, diverse events throughout the year. 

  • Find McDowell Sonoran Conservancy events

Get more events information


PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

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.  

Protect your identity by bringing your documents to the shredding event. It runs 7-10 a.m. Saturday, April 8, in the Walmart parking lot, 15355 N. Northsight Blvd. Cost is $5 per box. Learn more.    

Plug into Electronics Recycling Collection Day. Scottsdale residents can recycle unwanted electronics from 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, April 8, at the city's Corporation Yard, 9191 E. San Salvador. Items accepted include computer, office and entertainment equipment.  

Job seekers: Mark your calendars for the Career Convention from 1-4 p.m. Tuesday, April 25, at Scottsdale Stadium's Fieldhouse. Meet dozens of local employers who are ready to hire, including the city of Scottsdale and many more. Whether you're seeking your first job, or getting back into the workforce, this free event is valuable for all ages. Need help with your resume? Our career coaches will be on-site providing resume assistance, mock interviews and more. You won't want to miss this opportunity to land your dream job! Learn more.


FYI

Investing in Our Scottsdale: Corporation Yard solar panels. The city has installed solar panels over parking spaces on the northwest surface parking lot. The new panels provide covered parking for visitors and employees and will contribute power to the Via Linda Police Station and North Corporation Yard Complex once they are activated. The city will add additional panels on the upper-level parking garage in April. Voters approved project funding as part of the 2019 bond election.

Watch as the Scottsdale Airport’s simulated emergency response drill unfolds. Aviation staff, police and fire department come together to test their preparedness in a high-pressure scenario. View here.

Scottsdale by the numbers:

  • More than 3,200 people attended the first-ever Scottsdale Family ArtsFest, a city partnership with Scottsdale Arts, Scottsdale Unified School District and SkySong. Attendees enjoyed musical performances, student visual arts, yard games, fresh popcorn and a craft area. 

  • About 100 people attended February’s Founders Day celebration. The city commemorated Winfield Scott’s 186th birthday in front of the newly renovated Little Red Schoolhouse. 

  • Catalytic converter theft prevention event serviced nearly 250 cars. Scottsdale’s Citizen Service Office and Scottsdale Police Department partnered with a local Scottsdale Midas and the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office to offer this free event. Crews etched vehicles with digits of the corresponding VIN number, license plate number and “SPD” to deter catalytic converter theft. 

  • Nearly 400 people attended this season’s Neighborhood College session. A major highlight was the first-ever HOA one-day symposium. Participants evaluated the overall Neighborhood College series with a 96.5% approval rating.

  • Scottsdale Aquatics trained and certified 92 lifeguards, who are now eligible to apply for a lifeguard/instructor position with Scottsdale. They can receive various incentives including a lifeguard certification class fee reimbursement, employee referral bonus and peak season pay increases.

New Adaptive Services Special Olympics uniforms honor former teammate. The new uniforms feature a memorial “Scotty” paw print, in remembrance of the former Bobcat who was fatally shot last February. The Harkness family raised more than $20,000 in donations to support Scottsdale’s Special Olympics program. During the jersey unveiling, staff and athletes were joined by Scotty’s brother, Patrick, to share the family’s story. Read more.

Job of the Week: HVAC technician. Duties include maintaining heating, ventilation and air conditioning for the city's water and wastewater treatment facilities. Learn more and apply


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