HEADLINE NEWS
WM Phoenix Open is in full swing. Known as "The Greatest Show on Grass," the WM Phoenix Open is one of the PGA Tour’s most exciting stops. The event has gained legendary status for combining great golf and a festive atmosphere, unlike any other tournament. The open runs through Sunday, Feb. 11, at Scottsdale’s TPC.
Traffic information: Drivers should plan for heavier-than-normal traffic on the Loop 101 Pima Freeway this week. Tournament-related traffic will increase during the morning and late afternoon Wednesday through Sunday. Get parking information and directions. Statewide real-time highway condition information is available on ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov or by calling 511.
With environmental stewardship at the forefront, the city is relaunching its Sustainable Scottsdale Awards Program. This initiative celebrates outstanding contributions to sustainability and environmental stewardship within the Scottsdale community. The program recognizes exceptional leadership and innovation in sustainability and showcases efforts that exceed typical environmental practices. Nominations are open through 5 p.m. April 1. Get more information and nominate someone.
City continues to be the gold standard for bicyclists. Scottsdale has once again been recognized as a Gold-Level Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists. This year’s award extends the city’s elite status another four years.
Scottsdale is one of only 34 Gold-Level communities across the country, ranking among the top 10 percent of cities recognized by the league. The award recognizes Scottsdale for its commitment to creating transportation and recreational resources that benefit residents of all ages and abilities, while encouraging healthier and more sustainable transportation choices.
Scottsdale was initially recognized as a silver-level Bicycle Friendly Community in 2005, which is noteworthy since Scottsdale was the first silver-level community without a university or major college. Scottsdale has been recognized as a gold-level Bicycle Friendly Community since 2011. The city has an extensive network of bicycle amenities, including 123 miles of paved shared-use paths, 156 miles of unpaved trails and 192 miles of on-street bike lanes.
Gov. Katie Hobbs appointed Scottsdale’s diversity director to serve on the Commission of African American Affairs. Jackie Johnson is a second-generation Arizonan who wants to ensure the Black community has an opportunity to prosper by addressing poverty, housing, discrimination, education and criminal justice. The commission consists of 16 members, nine of whom are appointed by the Governor. Learn more about the commission and its members.
Get a head start learning about city issues, projects and activities by attending or listening in on the many public meetings we host.
Celebrate Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art’s 25th birthday. In the late 1990s, architect Will Bruder converted a former movie theater into Scottsdale’s preeminent museum of contemporary and modern art, architecture and design. Join us from 7-9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9, for signature cocktails, treats from Pinwheel gourmet rolls food truck, music from DJ J-ME LEE, a performance by artist Carolina Aranibar-Fernández and live music. The event is free and open to the public with an RSVP. Learn more and RSVP.
Ring in the Lunar New Year at Scottsdale libraries with stories, crafts and activities. Celebrate Asian cultures from around the world:
WestWorld hosts the Arabian Horse Show, Feb. 15-25. Since 1955, the annual Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show has set the pace in the Arabian horse world. It has grown from 50 horses to nearly 2,400 horses bringing top owners, trainers and breeders from around the world competing for a chance at winning.
12 days. 21 films. Three theaters. The online box office is open for the 28th annual Greater Phoenix Jewish Film Festival taking place Feb.18-March 3, at Harkins Theaters in Scottsdale, Chandler and Peoria. The festival celebrates diverse Jewish storytelling while exploring themes of culture, history and the human experience. Get details and buy tickets.
February’s Civil War Roundtable features Dr. Dave Schrader, lecturer to the California Civil War Roundtable. Schrader will present “Love Him or Hate Him? General Benjamin ‘Beast’ Butler,” and examine the Civil War service of one of Abraham Lincoln’s most controversial political generals. Learn about Butler’s contributions and shortcomings. The Scottsdale Civil War Roundtable meets Tuesday, Feb. 20, 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.
“Celebrate the Legacy of Disney” with the Scottsdale Concert Band. The free concert starts at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21, in the Scottsdale Community College (SCC) Amphitheater, 9000 E. Chaparral Road. Highlights include selections from “Frozen,” “Star Wars Saga,” "Fantasia,” “Pirates of the Caribbean” and “Music from Disneyland.” The Scottsdale Concert Band is an award-winning community band established in 1977, and it is SCC’s longest standing ensemble. It performs a diverse repertoire ranging from timeless Big Band favorites, contemporary wind music and rousing patriotic tunes.
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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.
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Old Town Farmers Market: Find a variety of organic and pesticide-free produce, and seasonal specialties such as cider and apples, flowers, natural pork, beef, fish and free-range eggs. Th market runs 8 a.m.-1 p.m. every Saturday through June at 3806 N. Brown Ave.
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Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts: Attend exciting, diverse events throughout the year.
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Find McDowell Sonoran Conservancy events.
Learn how to spot water leaks, how to fix them and how to prevent them. This free water conservation workshop also includes a demo on how to register and use the WaterSmart Portal (available to all Scottsdale Water customers) to track water usage and get more water saving tips! It takes place from 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13, in the Mustang Library - Auditorium. Register.
Neighborhood College Spring 2024 Series continues with “The Great Desert Escape.” Eighty years ago, the largest escape of prisoners of war in North America during World War II happened in Scottsdale. Join historian and author Keith Warren Lloyd as he explores the factors leading up to the escape, the escape itself and the aftermath. The free class runs 1-3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21, in the Mustang Library - Auditorium. Learn more and register.
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HOA/Condo Series track: Rentals, Animals & Disabilities - What You Need to Know.
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The Stories of Scottsdale History Series track: Treasures of Scottsdale: The Extraordinary Ellis Family; Murder in the First Degree; and The Fruit of the Poisonous Tree.
If you didn’t make it to the Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction in January, you can check it out this fall. Barrett-Jackson announced a new 2024 Scottsdale Fall Auction Oct. 10-13, at WestWorld. The four-day event will feature new entertainment and lifestyle elements, further elevating the guest experience and building additional enthusiasm and anticipation for the iconic nine-day Scottsdale Auction held every January. Tickets and additional information will be announced at a later date.
Missed these events? No worries, you can watch them on Scottsdale Video Network:
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2024 MLK Celebration: Scottsdale’s annual celebration includes nationally renowned speakers representing a myriad of diversity perspectives honoring the history and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This year’s speaker was Dr. Battinto L. Batts, Jr., ASU’s dean of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, and an award-winning journalist and educator with deep experience in philanthropy and nonprofit administration. Watch now.
Investing in Our Scottsdale: Learn about Carefree Highway improvements. The city is in the early design stages for Carefree Highway improvements, from Cave Creek to Scottsdale (Tom Darlington) roads. Learn more about the project at 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 12, at the Holland Community Center, 34250 N. 60th St. This project will:
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Add bike lanes, a shared-use path/trail, and curb and gutter
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Include drainage improvements and utility work
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Modify intersections to include signals or new turn bays
Job of the Week: Community Services Management Analyst. You'll be at the forefront of professional-level analysis – delving into operational, budgetary, performance and financial activities. From directing data collection to crafting statistical analysis and recommendations, your expertise will drive meaningful change across our six Community Services departments. Be prepared to tackle special administrative challenges head-on, both independently and collaboratively, as you develop innovative solutions tailored to each unique project. Learn more and apply.
