Scottsdale Update - Feb. 7, 2022

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, great weather and a festive atmosphere, unlike any other tournament. The open runs through Sunday, Feb. 13, at TPC Scottsdale. 

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 hours Wednesday through Sunday. Get parking information and directions. Nearby off-site parking and a rideshare lot will be available at WestWorld of Scottsdale. Parking and a shuttle service also are available at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick near Loop 101 and Talking Stick Way. 

Statewide real-time highway condition information is available on ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov or by calling 511. 

COVID-19 UPDATE 

COVID-19 by the numbers. Maricopa County has been tracking COVID-19 cases since Jan. 22, 2020. Review the latest numbers.  

Scottsdale remains at high community transmission for 29th straight week. The city’s COVID-19 case rate has decreased by 44.3% to 663.8 cases per 100,000 residents (week of Jan. 29). High transmission is defined as greater than 100 cases per 100,000 people. This indicates that 0.66 percent of the Scottsdale population had a recorded positive test for COVID-19. This does not include undetected cases of COVID-19, or unreported cases that have only been detected through an at-home test. 

According to Maricopa County’s Vaccine Dashboard, 75.6% of eligible Scottsdale residents have received at least one COVID-19 vaccination dose, and 69.6% are fully vaccinated. Getting vaccinated is your best defense against getting or spreading COVID. Attend a city vaccine site (see below) or find another location. 

Vaccines and boosters save lives, and we’re doing our part to help make testing and vaccinations more accessible.

• In partnership with Vincere Cancer Center, the city is administering rapid COVID-19 testing for active infection (PCR and antigen), Influenza A+B tests and vaccinations by appointment 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. Appointments are required for vaccines and recommended for testing; walk-ups are accepted until 3 p.m.

  • Granite Reef Senior Center, 1700 N. Granite Reef Road: Tuesdays: 9 a.m.-3:45 p.m. COVID-19 testing only, no vaccinations; Fridays: 9 a.m.-3:45 p.m. COVID-19 testing, vaccinations by appointment only

  • Mustang Library, 10101 N. 90th St.: Wednesdays: 9 a.m.-3:35 p.m. COVID-19 testing; vaccinations by appointment only from noon-3:45 p.m.

• In partnership with the Maricopa County Public Health Department, Scottsdale Community College offers testing 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays through February. Testing is open to the public and appointments aren’t necessary.

• Free vaccine events continue through March at community centers. We’re offering the Pfizer vaccine (5 and older), and the Janssen and Moderna (both for 18 and older) vaccines:

  • Horizon Community Center, 15444 N. 100th St.: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Feb. 11 and 25, and March 11 and 25.

  • Eldorado Park and Community Center, 2311 N. Miller Road: 1-4 p.m. Feb. 14 and 28, and March 14 and 28.

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.

When to get tested for COVID-19: 

• If you have COVID-19 symptoms 

• At least five days after known or suspected close contact to COVID-19 

• Before and after travel 

• When asked by a healthcare professional or public health official 

A viral test tells you if you are infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, using samples that come from your nose or mouth. There are two types of viral tests: rapid tests and laboratory tests. A laboratory test, such as a PCR test, usually provides results in 1-3 days. Results are reliable for people with and without symptoms. 

A rapid test, such as an Antigen test, usually provides results in 15-30 minutes. Results may be less reliable for people without symptoms and follow-up test may be required. very home is eligible to order four free at-home COVID-⁠19 rapid Antigen tests. Order your tests now so you have them when you need them. 

THINGS TO DO 

The Dirty Dozen Brass Band are bringing the New Orleans spirit, along with Nathan Williams and the Zydeco Cha-Chas, to Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. The Dirty Dozen’s music is a departure from the traditional New Orleans brass band sound, taking that classic foundation of brass band music and incorporating a blend of genres, including bebop jazz, funk and R&B/soul to their tunes. The concert begins at 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 11. Tickets start at $36. Get information here or call 480-499-TKTS (8587). Read the center’s COVID-19 health protocol. 

Lights, camera, action! The Greater Phoenix Jewish Film Festival features cultural films from all over the world that offer an authentic portrayal of the historic and contemporary Jewish experience. In addition to the film screenings, the event invites highly esteemed guest speakers to address festival goers and filmmakers. The festival runs Feb. 14-28 and is virtual only. *Community Funded Event 

City hosts gnarly Wedge Hangout event. Drop by Eldorado’s Wedge Skatepark at Eldorado Park from 1 – 3 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 19, for this free event featuring a live DJ, food, vendors, raffle prizes and more. The Wedge Skatepark, 7650 E. McDowell Road, features a 20,000-square-foot facility that has a fun box, amoeba bowl, launch box, quarter-pipe, pyramid, curbs and rails.  

The Scottsdale Civil War Roundtable meets monthly through May. Speakers are nationally known historians and authors who discuss America's greatest conflict. The Tuesday, Feb. 15, program features Adrian Brettle, “Colossal Ambitions: Confederate Planning for a Post-Civil War World.” 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. 

WestWorld hosts the Arabian Horse Show, Feb. 17-27. 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. The city provides matching event advertising funding for this event.  

Ongoing Events and Activities: 

• ArtWalk 

• Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market 

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES 

Green Building presents free webinar: “Living an Edible Landscape Life for Homes & Neighborhood Schools.” Environmental artist and garden educator Joan Baron, along with outdoor educator Kelly Hedberg, will lead us on a virtual tour of the Rover Elementary School garden. They will share seasonal planting ideas along with valuable tips to help you grow successful edible gardens. The webinar begins at 4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 10. Register.  

FYI 

Scottsdale conducts survey about living, working and playing in Scottsdale. The city, in partnership with Experience Scottsdale, is developing a Tourism Strategic Plan to determine and identify sustainable growth, expansion and management opportunities, while enhancing the city’s long-term quality of life for residents and visitors. In preparation, the city is conducting a survey about living, working and playing in Scottsdale. The responses will help us better understand the community experience, as well as identify how we can protect, improve and enhance Scottsdale’s economic prosperity. Help us by taking this 10-minute survey by Feb. 22.  

Did you know that Scottsdale Public Library offers library book delivery service to homebound patrons? We want to make our services, facilities and programs accessible to all patrons, including those who have disabilities. 

This means that: 

• Access to library facilities that include ADA parking spaces; automatic entrance doors that are wheelchair accessible; elevators for the multi-storied Civic Center Library; wheelchair-accessible restrooms and drinking fountains; braille signage and external and/or drive-up book drops. 

• Patrons may request reasonable accommodations when independent use of library resources and collections proves to be challenging.  

• Wheelchairs are available at all libraries, and a motorized cart is available at Civic Center Library. Plus, assistive devices such as computer monitors with the ability to Zoom and access to Microsoft Windows as well as magnifying glasses are available. A print enlarging machine is available at Civic Center Library. 

• Alternate access to information may include large print books by mail; reference services by fax or email; home delivery service; and remote access to the library catalog, website and electronic resources. 

• Sign language interpreters and assistive listening devices for library sponsored programs upon request.  

• The library makes print materials available in alternative formats such as large type, audio recording and electronic formats. 

Find out about traffic restrictions in and around Scottsdale. Get the list.