Scottsdale Update - Aug. 22, 2022

HEADLINE NEWS 

Cactus Park is closed for monsoon storm cleanup. A handful of Indian Bend Wash crossings remain closed as well: Medlock Drive at Hayden Road, the Safeway parking lot entrance from Hayden Road, and the Chaparral, Camelback and Indian School tunnels along in the path. We will be updating information when it is available. Be monsoon ready.

Study identifies strategies for a cooler Scottsdale. Heat remains one of our region’s top sustainability challenges, with far-reaching impacts on health, infrastructure, environment and economic well-being. In 2020, Scottsdale partnered with Arizona State University to assess patterns of urban heat in the city and identify promising cool strategies. 

The study results (PDF) are outlined in a StoryMap, which explains the basics of heat impacts in Scottsdale, contains examples of areas with the hottest and coolest surface temperatures, and outlines strategies and goals for heat mitigation. As a part of a Tuesday, Sept. 13, work study session, the City Council will discuss developing the city’s first Heat Mitigation Plan, based on the study’s framework. 

Please share your recommendation for achieving a cooler city on our new Heat Mitigation Plan webpage.

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has issued a high ozone pollution advisory through Wednesday, Aug. 24. Those with respiratory sensitivities are advised to take precautions during outdoor activities. Please help reduce ozone by doing one or more of the following: 

  • Use gas or electric instead of burning wood 

  • Limit the lighting of fireworks 

  • Ride transit, carpool or telework 

  • Eliminate all unnecessary driving and/or combine trips 

  • Avoid dirt roads 

  • Avoid the use of leaf blowers 

  • If burning wood for heat or food preparation, use dry wood (burning wet wood releases more particulate matter) 

Commemorate Women’s Equality Day, Friday, Aug. 26. Women's Equality Day commemorates the 1920 adoption of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which prohibits states and the federal government from denying U. S. citizens the right to vote based on gender. 

Scottsdale has a long history of strong female leadership. Four of six Charter Officers in Scottsdale are women (attorney, auditor, presiding judge and treasurer); as are five of seven City Council members (Tammy Caputi, Betty Janik, Kathy Littlefield, Linda Milhaven and Solange Whitehead). At a recently held Women’s History Month panel discussion, each Councilwoman provided insight into who and what inspired them to take on influential roles, and how they are inspiring other women to do the same. Watch here.   

Featured Job(s) of the Week: Maintenance Workers. The city has several openings for Maintenance Workers I and II. Job duties vary slightly depending on the location of the position. For example, you might be performing groundskeeping duties at Scottsdale Stadium, maintaining the equestrian facilities at WestWorld or taking care of the landscape and irrigation at Civic Center. Learn more about these positions and apply.


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:

Learn about our various Boards and Commissions and how you can serve.


THINGS TO DO

Mustang Library hosts free film, “Uncharted.” Street-smart Nathan Drake is recruited by seasoned treasure hunter Victor “Sully” Sullivan to recover a fortune amassed by Ferdinand Magellan lost 500 years ago by the House of Moncada. The show starts at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 24, at 10101 N. 90th St. Learn more.

“Disenchanted!” shines new light on beloved characters at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. Audiences can join Snow White and her posse of disenchanted princesses in Aug. 25–28 at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. Using an all-woman cast, “Disenchanted!” introduces beloved princesses in brand-new roles, including Snow White as the self-assured leader of the princess pack; Cinderella as an enthusiastic feminist; Sleeping Beauty as the comedic opposite of Snow White; and many more familiar faces. Learn more and buy tickets.

Sister Cities hosts Art of Kenya – Encore Exhibit at Appaloosa Library, Aug. 29-Nov. 5. View the beautiful art of our sister city, Uasin Gishu, Kenya, at the library, 7377 E. Silverstone Drive. Learn more about the exhibit. You can also meet Kennedy Kibet, coordinator of the Kenyan Sister City program and this show. Kennedy is an artist with a passion to mentor and support local artists. The meet and greet is from 4-5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 1, at the Scottsdale Artists School, 3720 N. Marshall Way. Learn more about the meet and greet

Ongoing:

  • Scottsdale ArtWalk: Internationally known as a mecca for art collectors, 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. 

Get more events information.


PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

Do you know someone who is interested in learning English as a second language? Experienced ESL instructors will help learners improve vocabulary, comprehension and word recognition. Participants attend in person from 5-7 p.m. Wednesdays for 12 weeks, Sept. 7-Nov. 16. Registration is required. Contact the center at 480-312-2529 for details.

“Meet and greet” provides networking and educational opportunities to transform your business. You’re invited to this inaugural Scottsdale and HUUB small business event where you’ll meet city department teams and others to help you with your business needs. The event runs from 9-10:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 15, at Scottsdale Stadium, 7408 E. Osborn Road. Registration required

Youth Development connects family in need with crucial after-school care. The Scottsdale Unified School District contacted the city’s Youth Development team about a struggling single mother who recently lost her job due to a lack of after-school care. Staff quickly worked to to enroll her children in the city’s after-school program at Yavapai Elementary School. The local nonprofit Scottsdale Community Partners is covering the nearly $1,300 annual fee through a scholarship program. Human Services offers a variety of assistance programs; learn more

Scottsdale Bobcats Special Olympics teams return for the fall season. After a pause in programming through COVID-19, Adaptive Services is ready to field athletes and teams to compete in bocce ball, golf, swim and bowling. The Scottsdale Bobcats are made up of athletes of all ages with intellectual disabilities. Scottsdale’s delegation trains for 8 to 10 weeks, followed by area competitions against other East Valley teams in Special Olympics Arizona’s Four Peaks division. 


FYI

New Podsdale episode: Water Works. Scottsdale Water is hiring, and no experience is required! This week on Podsdale, Kevin Rose and Valerie Schneider give us the inside scoop on Scottsdale Water’s trainee and apprenticeship programs. These full-time, paid positions, provide on-the-job training so you can start an exciting career in the water industry. “Water” you waiting for? Search “water careers.” Listen now.

Watch Fast Five. The city’s free Mediation program is back, the Scottsdale Airport received more than $5.4 million in FAA grants, and we celebrate the opening of Scottsdale’s newest park. These are just a few of the things you need to know on this episode of Fast Five. Watch now

The Government Finance Officers’ Association recognized the city's 2021 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report with an Achievement of Excellence in Financial Reporting. This certificate is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting, representing a significant accomplishment by a government and its management. 


QUICK LINKS:

Scottsdale What Works Cities 2023 Gold certification

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