HEADLINE NEWS
Investing in Our Scottsdale: City breaks ground on Ashler Hills Park. Amenities for the 17-acre park, located at Ashler Hills Drive and 74th Way, include open turf play areas, a shaded playground, restrooms, lighted sport courts, walking paths and trails, exercise equipment, lighted parking and public art. The park is scheduled to be complete in early 2025. Voters approved the project as part of the 2019 bond election.
Scottsdale Police Department earns 10th consecutive international reaccreditation, reaffirming its commitment to the highest law enforcement standards. As part of the process, the department participated in an annual review of 464 best practices standards. The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) manages the accreditation program.
Scottsdale Police Department’s participation in this thorough and voluntary review ensures that policies and procedures comply with internationally-accepted standards for law enforcement excellence. Of nearly 18,000 United States law enforcement agencies, fewer than 800 are accredited. Learn more.
Learn how to make simple changes to reduce food waste. By adopting efficient food practices and reducing residential food waste, you can conserve resources, mitigate pollution and greenhouse gases, save money and alleviate hunger. Help by composting food waste, donating excess food to local food banks, and being mindful of portion sizes and meal planning to reduce leftovers.
The city encourages residents to adopt sustainable practices for reducing food waste. Join an online conversation about it at Speak Up Scottsdale. Learn more about composting and how to reduce food waste here or from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6, at the Old Town Farmer’s Market, 3806 N. Brown Ave.
Get a head start learning about city issues, projects and activities by attending or listening in on the many public meetings we host. This week:
December’s Civil War Roundtable features Cory Pfarr: “McLaws and Longstreet at Gettysburg.” Pfarr will examine the role of General James Longstreet and his generalship at Gettysburg. He authored award-winning “Longstreet at Gettysburg: A Critical Reassessment” and “Righting the Longstreet Record: Six Matters of Controversy and Confusion,” in addition to many articles for Civil War periodicals.
The Civil War Roundtable meets Tuesday, Dec. 12, at Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd. The lecture starts at 6 p.m.; doors open at 5 p.m. for book sales and a speaker meet and greet.
The monthlong holiday celebration Scottsdazzle continues through December in Old Town Scottsdale. Attend new events and old favorites! Get all the dazzling details.
-
Live Nativity Celebration: Rejoice and sing along with a choir performing favorite Christmas music, shop for one-of-a-kind gifts crafted by local artists and connect over free refreshments. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, Old Adobe Mission Church, 3817 N. Brown Ave., free.
-
Sparkle & Spin Bicycle Scavenger Hunt: Ready, set, spin! With a set of clues in tow take a fun cycle throughout Old Town Scottsdale. Each puzzle piece leads to a new hot spot, historical marker or unique site. 9-11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 17, Marshall Way Bridge, 7124 E. Stetson Dr. Learn more and purchase tickets.
Pull out your favorite Christmas sweater and join the Scottsdale Concert Band for its annual holiday program, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15, at the Scottsdale Community College Performing Arts Center. The award-winning community band will play such favorites as “A Home Alone Christmas,” “Polar Express,” “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and “The Eighth Candle.” Call 585-749-8583 if you need more information.
-
Holiday Lights: Hop on board McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park’s Paradise & Pacific Railroad through Jan. 7, and experience a winter wonderland of holiday lights and displays. Visit and take a photo with Santa various times and days. Cost is $15; children two and younger ride free with a paying adult. To ensure a delightful experience for all, the event will have limited capacity and staggered entrance times. Access to the park will be exclusively for ticket holders during their designated time slot.
-
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.
Scottsdale Public Library introduces MAX – a collection sharing service. The new service allows patrons to check out books from participating library systems in the greater Phoenix area. Simply find a book to check out, place a hold using your library card and pick it up at a Scottsdale library when it arrives. The program is being piloted in partnership with the Maricopa County Library District. Learn more.
Tired of feeling confused or frustrated about your computer, tablet or smartphone? Join us at Via Linda Senior Center and receive individualized attention that will help you navigate through the maze of today's technological world. The free program runs 9-11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, at 10440 E. Via Linda. First come, first served.
Watch the latest Fast Five. The city’s monthlong Scottsdazzle holiday extravaganza is underway, and the Pinnacle Peak Park trail restoration project is set to begin in January. These are just a couple things happening in our community and highlighted in this month’s episode of Fast Five. Watch now.
Scottsdale Police Department shares tips to keep packages safe. Make sure your gifts don't get into the wrong hands by using one or more of these tips.
Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West expands hours. New hours are 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays, through April 30; 9:30-9 p.m. Thursdays, through May 31; and 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays, starting Jan. 1-April 30. The museum, recently named the No. 1 Western Museum in the United States by True West Magazine, is known for its captivating exhibitions and immersive Western experiences.
Job of the Week: Chief Information Security Officer. The successful candidate develops, implements and monitors the city’s security program to ensure appropriate levels of confidentiality, integrity, availability, safety, privacy and recovery of information assets owned, controlled or/and processed by the city. Benefits include 12 paid holidays; sick leave; medical, dental and vision benefits; paid parental leave; tuition reimbursement; participation in Arizona State Retirement System; and more. Learn more and apply.
