HEADLINE NEWS
Mayor Ortega's 2022 State of the City video will premiere soon. Until then, enjoy some highlights from 2021 with this look back at Scottsdale’s “year in social.”
Learn a new hobby … or brush up on an old one. Registration for Scottsdale Parks and Recreation spring programs began today for Scottsdale residents, and starts at 8 a.m. Tuesday, March 1, for everyone else. Programs take place during April and May. These include swim lessons, youth activities, adult programs and more! View Scottsdale Life online. Or browse classes and register here.
COVID-19 UPDATE
COVID-19 by the numbers. Maricopa County has been tracking COVID-19 cases since Jan. 22, 2020. Review the latest numbers.
Vaccines and boosters save lives, and we’re doing our part to help make testing and vaccinations more accessible.
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Vincere Cancer Center is administering free COVID-19 testing for active infection (PCR and antigen) at the following locations. Testing is available to everyone, 3 years and older. PCR test results will be available by the end of the next business day via email. Antigen results will be available onsite. Appointment are recommended for testing; walk-ups are accepted.
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Granite Reef Senior Center, 1700 N. Granite Reef Road: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Fridays
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Mustang Library, 10101 N. 90th St.: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesdays
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Free vaccine events continue at city community centers. We’re offering the Pfizer vaccine (5 and older), and the Janssen and Moderna (both for 18 and older) vaccines.
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Eldorado Park and Community Center, 2311 N. Miller Road: 1-4 p.m. March 14.
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Horizon Community Center, 15444 N. 100th St.: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. March 11.
Registration is not required; walk-ins are welcome. Please check in no later than 30 minutes before the session ends. Call 602-506-6767 for more information.
Find information about free vaccines, boosters and testing for Scottsdale residents.
Place your order for free at-home COVID-19 tests. Residential households can order one set of four free at-home tests. There’s a limit of one order per residential address; it includes four individual rapid antigen COVID-19 tests. Place your order.
THINGS TO DO
Scottsdale Gallery Association hosts Native Spirit Gold Palette ArtWalk. The Native Spirit Gold Palette ArtWalk recognizes Scottsdale’s rich Native American culture and history with activities, entertainment and exhibits. It runs 6:30-9 p.m. Thursday, March 3, in the Old Town Arts District. Learn more.
Learn about the Persian culture at a New Year Festival along the Scottsdale Waterfront. Experience historical Persian culture and feast on aromatic cuisines of the middle east while you discover exotic arts of Persia. The event takes place from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, March 5, and features kids’ activities, cultural performances and live music. Admission is free. *Partially city-funded event
WestWorld hosts Sun Circuit, March 5-13. The 49th Annual Scottsdale Arizona Sun Circuit is the largest American Quarter Horse Association circuit event in the West, and there is a class for every exhibitor at every level. WestWorld is home to three indoor, climate-controlled arenas along with multiple outdoor arenas with plenty of extra space for warm-ups. *Partially city-funded event
Buck up for the Parada del Sol Rodeo, March 10-13, at WestWorld. Experience the action and excitement of a professional rodeo with two and four-legged athletes who travel around the United States to compete for the winning title of each event. The Thursday night event is dedicated entirely to the bull riding event. Friday through Sunday events include bareback riding, steer wrestling, tie down roping, saddle bronc riding, team roping, breakaway roping and barrel racing. There are different riders and stock each performance, so you never see the same action twice! *Community-funded event
Register for the Tuesday, March 15, Civil War Round Table featuring Dr. Brooks Simpson, speaking on “Lincoln, Grant and the Summer of 1864.” These monthly lectures, held at Scottsdale Civic Center Library, start at 5 p.m.; doors open at 4 p.m. for book sale and meeting the speaker. Simpson's lecture will focus on the failure of Union generals in the Shenandoah Valley and the quest by Lincoln to find an officer capable of defeating the Confederate army led by Maj. Gen. Jubal Early. Simpson is an award-winning Civil War historian, and he has taught history for more than 25 years at Arizona State University. Guests are welcome to join the presentation virtually.
Ongoing Events and Activities:
PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
Attend the “What to Wear Career Fair.” The city’s Career Center staff will assist job seekers in improving their interview skills, enhancing their resume, selecting a professional interview outfit and networking with onsite employers ready to hire. The event runs 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday, March 10, at Vista del Camino, 7700 E. Roosevelt St. Employers will be onsite offering part-time and full-time opportunities for various positions. Walk-ins are welcome but job seekers are encouraged to register prior to event by calling 480-312-0060 or emailing VistaCareerCenter@scottsdaleaz.gov.
Don’t let your kids idle during March spring break. Scottsdale Spring Break Camps begin Monday March 14. They offer dynamic, social enrichment experiences that address both changing lifestyles and the needs of families. Activities include crafts, sports, games and more. Cost is $125 per week, per participant.
Sister Cities Association hosts Young Artist and Authors Showcase. The showcase is an annual contest that encourages youth worldwide to express the mission of Sister Cities International through original artwork and literature. This year’s theme is “Generation Rescue: Sustainable Water for All.” We will display works accepted into the local competition at Scottsdale Civic Center Library. Entries will be accepted Feb. 28 through March 10. Submit written entries or questions to info@scottsdalesistercities.com. Review the YAAS Guide for more information.
FYI
Scottsdale Police Department is hosting a virtual open house for those interested in becoming a communications dispatcher. This is an opportunity to get a virtual tour of the Communications 911 Center, testing information requirements and background investigation process details. Two sessions are available: 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 1; and noon Thursday, March 3. Email your RSVP.
Scottsdale seeks additional input on Old Town Scottsdale Character Area Plan & Zoning Ordinance updates. The city is updating this plan, as well as sections of the city’s Zoning Ordinance specific to the Old Town area. Based on direction from City Council, we are providing additional outreach and seeking input. The following topics will be discussed Monday, March 7, at three sessions, two-hour sessions (same content at each session):
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The provision of open space in Old Town,
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The definition of mixed-use development,
Register and participate in one of the open house sessions, by visiting ScottsdaleAZ.gov and searching “Old Town Updates."
Find out about traffic restrictions in and around Scottsdale. Get the list.
