Scottsdale Update - Jan. 22, 2024

HEADLINE NEWS

Students are invited to apply for Mayor's Ability Awards scholarships Jan. 29-March 1. This initiative underscores the importance of encouraging education and fostering inclusivity for students living with disabilities, recognizing their potential and empowering them to achieve their academic and professional goals. Get detailed scholarship information and eligibility requirements.

Please refrain from using preserve trails during and after a heavy rain. The McDowell Sonoran Preserve could see up to two inches of rainfall through Tuesday. While the precipitation is needed, it could result in trails becoming saturated and susceptible to damage from boots, hooves and bike tires. Learn more about the preserve. 

Scottsdale Civic Center Library voted Phoenix New Times’ “Best Library of 2023.” The branch was recognized for its programming for all ages, charming youth room, rotating public art and more. Read the article. The 103,000-square-foot facility opened Nov. 26, 1968, at 3839 N. Civic Center Blvd. It also includes more than 70 public use computers, The Gallery @ the Library art gallery and curbside hold pickup. Get library hours. 


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. 

Week of Jan. 22:

Learn about the responsibilities of city Boards and Commissions and how you can serve.  


THINGS TO DO 

Barrett-Jackson kicked off Scottsdale’s Signature Events season. The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auction,” which runs through Jan. 28 at WestWorld, is a high-octane event showcasing nearly 2,000 of the world's finest collector automobiles and hosting tens of thousands of spectators. The auction also features an exhibitor marketplace and hours of live worldwide television coverage. Just a reminder that Pima Freeway construction, from Princess Drive/Pima Road to Shea Boulevard, is underway, although ADOT is not planning traffic restrictions during the car auction. Drivers should be aware of new lane patterns and work zones along this section of the freeway.

Get free donuts by telling us how we can improve parks and recreation programs. Scottsdale Parks and Recreation kicked off a master planning process that will serve as a blueprint for projects, priorities and structures over the next 10 years. Join us for free donuts (while supplies last) and family fun to share your ideas for the future. “Ideas in Play Pop-up" runs 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, at Scottsdale Civic Center, 3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd.

Walk in unity with our community Saturday. Join Scottsdale and neighboring cities to promote mutual respect and understanding at this year’s Regional Unity Walk Saturday, Jan. 27, at Tempe Beach Park. The festival, featuring refreshments and entertainment, starts at 4:30 p.m. The one-mile walk begins at 6 p.m. Call the city at 480-312-3111 for more information.

Scottsdale Western Week rides in Jan. 27-Feb. 4. Western Week stokes the embers of our rich heritage and ensures our western legacy glows as brightly as it did a century ago. Highlights include:

  • Western Week Kick-Off: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, Historic Old Town. Find western-style surprises around every corner including live music, roping at the Rodeo Museum, blacksmithing demonstrations at the Cavalliere’s Blacksmith Shop and entertainment from Arizona’s Singing Cowboy, Gary Sprague and his trusty horse Dusty.

  • Western Week at the Waterfront: 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 28, Marshall Way Bridge. Buckle up to boogie with complimentary line dancing lessons, live music and family-friendly entertainment from three-time World Champion Wild West Showman Johnny Hotshot as he presents trick roping and cowboy style fun.

  • Gold Palette ArtWalk: 6:30-9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 1, Scottsdale Arts District. February’s Gold Palette ArtWalk is dedicated to the theme of Western Week with entertainment, music and special offerings at participating galleries.

  • Hashknife Pony Express: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2. The oldest officially sanctioned Pony Express celebrates with riders blazing their trail from the tiny town of Holbrook. At high noon, welcome its arrival at Scottsdale’s Museum of the West as riders conclude a 200-mile trek with more than 20,000 pieces of mail. The fun starts at 11 a.m. with family-friendly games, storytelling, crafts, face painting, food trucks, live entertainment and more. 

  • Parada del Sol (10 a.m.-noon) and Trail’s End Celebration (noon-4 p.m.): Saturday, Feb. 3, Historic Old Town. Scottsdale’s own hometown parade features colorful floats, mounted horse riders, horse-drawn carriages, marching bands, wagons and stagecoaches. The parade ends with a western-spirited festival featuring live music, street entertainment, dancing, a wine garden and a cowboy kids’ zone. 

  • Arizona Indian Festival: Saturday, Feb. 3, and Sunday, Feb. 4. Arizona tribes will share their culture at the Arizona Indian Festival at Scottsdale Civic Center. The festival includes traditional food, song, dance and crafts. 

Ongoing: 

  • 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. 

Get more events information.


PROGRAMS AND SERVICES 

Neighborhood College Spring 2024 Series kicks off with the HOA/Condo Symposium. The symposium is designed for those serving on their HOA board and those interested in serving or needing a “refresher.” It takes place 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, in the Community Design Studio, 7506 E. Indian School Road. Seating is limited. Learn more and register.

Other classes:

  • HOA/Condo Series track: Hot HOA and Condo Committee Basics; and Rentals, Animals & Disabilities - What You Need to Know. 

  • The Stories of Scottsdale History Series track: The Great Desert Escape; Treasures of Scottsdale: The Extraordinary Ellis Family; Murder in the First Degree: and The Fruit of the Poisonous Tree.

Scottsdale Water offers free water efficiency workshops to teach residents how to use water more effectively in their homes and yards. Classes fill up fast! Learn more about each class, and register for one or all.

  • Find Leaks & Learn about Scottsdale's WaterSmart Portal: 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13, Mustang Library.

  • Learn about city of Scottsdale Water Resources: 11 a.m.-noon Wednesday, March 27, Civic Center Library.

  • Take a Tour of the Scottsdale Xeriscape Garden: 1-2 p.m. Friday, April 12, Xeriscape Garden

  • Maximize Your Irrigation Efficiency: 6-7:15 p.m. Thursday, April 18, Civic Center Library.

  • Learn How to Repair and Maintain Your Irrigation System: 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Saturday, May 4, Mustang Library.

Engage in dynamic and interactive learning experiences, group discussions, case studies, and hands-on activities to enhance your understanding of the inner workings of the city. Scottsdale 101 Citizen Academy, open to Scottsdale residents and business owners, meets at 9 a.m. Thursdays, March 21-May 9. Graduation takes place 4-6 p.m. Tuesday, May 14. The nine-week program is limited to 40 participants. Participation in seven of nine sessions is required to graduate. Two special assignments will be required as part of the curriculum. Apply.

What three words describe Scottsdale? Tell us on Speak Up Scottsdale, an online community where residents can discuss city issues, programs, services and projects. If you like feeling connected to your community and to your neighbors and are ready to engage in fun and meaningful discussions about Scottsdale, we would love to have you become a member. Find other ways to get involved.


FYI 

Investing in Our Scottsdale: Pinnacle Peak Park trail renovation  - Phase One. Staff and volunteers were the boots on the ground for an airlift of nearly 11 tons of rock and materials onto the trail. Renovations include trail stabilization, new native stone steps, widening portions of the trail and sustainable erosion control. During construction, the back third of the trail will be closed to keep visitors safe and allow contractors to work efficiently. This section of the trail will reopen as soon as possible. Learn more about the park

Job of the Week: Human Services Case Worker. This role performs professional-level social services activities that touch the lives of vulnerable and at-risk populations. Responsibilities include crisis intervention, information and referral services, facilitating empowering support groups, and conducting meaningful home visits as well as short-term supportive interventions, expertly determining eligibility, and providing crucial case management at the city's recreation and social services centers.

This isn't just a job; it's a calling to make a positive impact on the lives of those who need it most. If you're passionate about creating change, this is your moment! Join us in making a difference and being a beacon of hope for those in need. Learn more and apply.


QUICK LINKS: 

Scottsdale What Works Cities 2023 Gold certification

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