HEADLINE NEWS
Scottsdale implements E-Qual for August council election. Scottsdale will go digital in its August primary election process with the city’s launch of E-Qual – a system provided by the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office that allows candidates for office to collect their signatures electronically.
Scottsdale will hold a primary election on Tuesday, Aug. 2, to elect three councilmembers. City Council candidates are required to obtain 1,000 signatures from Scottsdale registered voters in order to be placed on the ballot. In the past, these signatures had to be gathered using hard-copy petition sheets.
While hard-copy petitions are still an option, E-Qual provides a safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly option for residents to sign petitions at their convenience and allows candidates to use their website, newsletters and social media to publicize how to sign their petitions. Read more.
COVID-19 UPDATE
COVID-19 by the numbers. Maricopa County has been tracking COVID-19 cases since Jan. 22, 2020. Review the latest numbers.
Sometimes it’s the smallest decisions that make the largest impact. It can be discouraging to see the number of COVID-19 cases increasing so rapidly. But for those of you following the public health guidance—getting vaccinated, getting boosted, masking up, staying home when sick or exposed—rest assured, you are helping your community. This video has examples of how one person’s decisions can affect the health of many others.
Vaccines and boosters save lives, and we’re doing our part to help make testing and vaccinations more accessible. In partnership with Vincere Center Centers, 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:
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Testing 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays; vaccinations noon-4 p.m. Fridays by appointment only at Granite Reef Senior Center, 1700 N. Granite Reef Road
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Testing 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; vaccinations noon-4 p.m. by appointment only Wednesdays at Mustang Library, 10101 N. 90th St.
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.
Free vaccine events also will 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:
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Horizon Community Center, 15444 N. 100th St.: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Jan. 28, Feb. 11 and 25, and March 11 and 25.
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Eldorado Park and Community Center, 2311 N. Miller Road: 1-4 p.m. Jan. 31, 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.
Pandemic versus endemic; know the difference. Coronaviruses tend to mutate frequently and generally become more contagious and less severe. That is what we are seeing right now with Omicron. Maricopa County Public Health leaders expect more variants to emerge. However, as more people develop immunity through infection or vaccine, transmission, hospitalizations and deaths are expected to decrease. Eventually COVID-19 will become endemic, meaning it will spread in more predictable ways and will cause less of a burden on our health care system.
Isolating and quarantining; know what to do when. The information can be confusing. The following surveys walk you through what you should do when:
THINGS TO DO
Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction runs through Sunday. It's the granddaddy of all car events. The Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction returns to WestWorld bringing hundreds of the world's finest collector automobiles and thousands of spectators to Scottsdale. The auction also features an exhibitor marketplace and hours of live worldwide television coverage.
Western Week: Old Town Scottsdale transforms into an authentic Old West experience for the entire family. Connect with Old Town's history through Western and Native American festivals, art walks, the Hashknife Pony Express and the Parada del Sol. We will be spotlighting specific events closer to the week. Western Week runs Jan. 29-Feb. 6. Look for more details coming in our next issue Monday.
Ongoing Events and Activities:
PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
Love tennis? We have two tennis centers: Indian School Park, 4829 N. Hayden Road; and Scottsdale Ranch Park, 10400 E. Via Linda. Winter hours (through Feb. 20) at both facilities are 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Friday, and 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. We also have several neighborhood tennis courts that are available first come, first serve. These courts are open sunrise-10:30 p.m. Improve your game by signing up for tennis lessons. Get the schedule and register.
Help is here with the city’s Community Assistance Office. It manages the city’s affordable housing programs and collaborates with nonprofit agencies to address and meet basic and critical human needs. The office administers the following programs:
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Federal HOME Investments Partnership (HOME) Program
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A variety of local funding sources including Scottsdale Cares, General Funds and Endowment.
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A variety of housing rehabilitation programs including Green Housing Rehabilitation, Roof Repair and Replacement Program and Emergency Repair Program.
Call 480-312-7156 or visit us online for more information.
FYI
Scottsdale is partnering with the Arizona Parks and Recreation Association to promote “LEASH UP. CLEAN UP.” We love dogs! That’s why we have three dog parks in Scottsdale for you and your four-legged friends to enjoy. Please make sure to clean up after your pet. And, as a reminder, if you aren’t at one of our dog parks, keep your dog on a leash at all times. Learn more.
Hike happy! The weather is beautiful and a perfect time to explore Scottsdale’s trails. Here’s some tips to keep you in the know and safe:
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Motorized vehicles, including electric bikes, motorized skateboards are prohibited.
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Dogs are welcome at the preserve (not at Pinnacle Peak Park). They must remain on a leash, and owners need to pick up their dog’s waste.
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Stay on the official signed trails.
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Know your limitations and choose a preserve adventure that matches your abilities.
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Bring ample water for you and your dog.
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Drink water before you arrive, so your body is pre-hydrated.
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Wear sunscreen and dress appropriately with light colored breathable clothing that covers your skin.
Find out about traffic restrictions in and around Scottsdale. Get the list.
