HEADLINE NEWS
Scottsdale reduced municipal water use by 38 million gallons in 2022, following through on a commitment made in January 2022 in the face of worsening drought in the Colorado River basin. Scottsdale set out to reduce water use by at least 5% and asked residents and businesses to do the same. The effort came as the city officially declared Stage One of its Drought Management Plan – an action directly aligned with the Tier One Colorado River shortage declared by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.
The city reduced water use by 6% when compared to the average past five years through a series of infrastructure and operational improvements like more aggressively finding and fixing leaks, installing more efficient equipment and not planting winter grass in many parks. Get more details on how city departments saved water.
Western Week: Old Town Scottsdale has transformed into an authentic Old West experience for the entire family. Connect with Old Town's history through Western and Native American festivals, ArtWalks, the Hashknife Pony Express and the Parada del Sol. Western Week runs through Feb. 5.
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Gold Palette ArtWalk: 6:30-9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 2, Scottsdale Arts District. This month’s Gold Palette ArtWalk is dedicated to the theme of Western Week with entertainment, music and special offerings at participating galleries.
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Annual Hashknife Pony Express Arrival: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3, Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West. Come and witness the oldest officially sanctioned Pony Express in the world. This free event features the “Hashknife Boot Camp” for kids, free museum admission, live entertainment, family-friendly games, storytelling, crafts, face painting, onsite food trucks and more. At noon, the Hashknife Pony Express arrives in Scottsdale and delivers more than 20,000 pieces of mail to the U.S. Postal Service at the front steps of the museum. In addition, Navaho County Sheriff’s Hashknife Posse Captain Mark Reynolds hosts to sessions on the History and Stories of the Hashknife Pony Express. Call the museum at 480-686-9539 for more details.
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Parada del Sol Parade and Trail’s End Celebration: Parade - 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Feb. 4; Trails End Festival - noon-4 p.m., Historic Old Town. Traffic restrictions will be in place. View the route map. A celebration of the city’s past, present and future, the Parada del Sol Parade boasts more than 100 entries including colorful floats, mounted horse-riders, horse-drawn carriages, marching bands, wagons and stagecoaches representing many cultures from Mexican to Native American to Arabian to Western. At the culmination of the parade, the Historic Old Town District becomes the setting for a Western-style block party with a kids’ area, pony rides, food and merchandise vendors, and multiple stages with live entertainment from today’s popular bands to traditional performers.
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Arizona Indian Festival: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 5, Scottsdale Civic Center. The Arizona Indian Festival provides awareness of Arizona’s indigenous communities by creating an inclusive inter-tribal event celebrating culture, traditional arts, crafts and foods, as well as innovations and trends in cultural tourism experiences in Arizona.
City launches text-based Q&A service in Old Town. Scottsdale is piloting Hello Scottsdale, a text-based Q&A service powered by artificial intelligence, in Old Town Scottsdale. Visitors in Old Town can text questions about the city’s events, services and local businesses, as well as share their thoughts on what Scottsdale can do to be an even better place to live, work and play. The city will use the anonymous feedback provided to improve services and programing. As the city continues to test the platform, visitors and residents may see Hello Scottsdale signs and stickers at public parks, outreach events and city programs. Learn more.
Mayor David D. Ortega's "State of Scottsdale 2022" is available to watch or read. Celebrate the city's successes and accomplishments over the past year, and hear the mayor discuss challenges and areas of focus for the year ahead. Watch the video or read the mayor’s remarks.
Scottsdale Fire Department debuts first podcast, FIREWATCH. We’ll take you behind the scenes to meet our firefighters and show how they tackle the hazards of our growing urban environment and mitigate complex life-safety problems. Our inaugural episode showcases how we work to ensure safety at large-scale events like the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction and the WM Phoenix Open. Subscribe and listen.
Get a head start learning about city issues, projects and activities by attending or listening in on the many public meetings we host. Here’s what’s coming up:
Visit the Scottsdale Historical Museum in The Little Red Schoolhouse, opening Wednesday, Feb. 1, after a three-year hiatus. The city’s rich history comes alive in the photos and exhibits at the two-room Little Red Schoolhouse, now Scottsdale’s official historic museum. From our founder Winfield Scott to fabled Mayor Herb Drinkwater, from the pioneers who built Scottsdale’s canals and early farms, to the modern era developers of our neighborhoods, schools, shopping malls, ballparks and airport, visitors will learn about our past and present. The Scottsdale Historical Society provides support for the Little Red Schoolhouse. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, and noon-4 p.m. Sunday.
Scottsdale Public Library hosts entertaining, insightful and informative history classes. They include:
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Scottsdale Stories: Behind the Business, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 2, Mustang Library, 10101 N. 90th St. Some businesses stay around for more than one generation. But do you know the story behind the business? We will look at an auto parts store that became one of the longest-lasting restaurants in Old Town and an insurance agency whose office has become a museum of Arizona history.
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Arizona Goes to the Movies, 5-6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 13, Mustang Library Auditorium, 10101 N. 90th St. Featuring the plots, players and behind-the-scenes info about movies made in our area.
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The History of Golf in Scottsdale, 5:30 p.m. Monday, March 13, Mustang Library, 10101 N. 90th St. Scottsdale has been a golf destination since its first course debuted in 1910.
Scottsdale hits it out of the park with a new Spring Training exhibit. Take a whimsical and thought-provoking journey through the five eras of Scottsdale Stadium, highlighting the rich diverse spring training history of Scottsdale. Artifacts, memorabilia, and vignettes will transport fans back to the launch of Scottsdale Spring Training. The exhibit opens Saturday, Feb. 4, at Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd.
Just in time for Black History Month: ‘60s Rock & Roll historian Vinnie Bruno presents an interactive program on the life and achievements of music icon Chuck Berry. Berry is regarded as one of the greatest songwriters and guitarists in history. We will travel with Chuck from his early days in St. Louis to his extraordinary recordings at Chess Records to his off-stage exploits with the law ... and finally, to his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The free presentation runs 1:30-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, in the Mustang Library auditorium. Learn more.
Gain valuable insight and learn about the art of photography at Granite Reef Senior Center’s “Art Talk.” The Phoenix Art Museum presents this free program at 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 6. The center is at 1700 N. Granite Reef Road. Learn more.
WM Phoenix Open swings into Scottsdale. 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 Feb. 6-12, at Scottsdale’s TPC.
Traffic information: Drivers should plan for heavier-than-normal traffic on the Loop 101 Pima Freeway. Tournament-related traffic will increase during the morning and late afternoon Wednesday through Sunday. Get parking information and directions. In addition, the underpass beneath North Thompson Peak Parkway will be closed Feb. 6-Feb. 12. This will affect people visiting Desert Canyon Elementary and middle schools, Arabian Library and McDowell Mountain Ranch Park and Aquatic Center. Nearby off-site parking and a rideshare lot will be available at WestWorld of Scottsdale. Parking and a shuttle service also will be 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.
And while the WM Phoenix Open generates a lot of traffic, it also generated more than $450 million in economic impact last year. A recently released study from Arizona State University’s William L. Seidman Research Institute found that last year’s tournament generated $453.7 million in economic impact for Arizona’s economy. According to the study, 4,290 jobs were created due to the 2022 WM Phoenix Open. The Seidman Research Institute estimates that 126,477 out-of-state visitors spent an average of $260.20 per person per day while here. Economic activity of over $220 million was induced by visitors’ and organizations’ expenditures.
Join the city of Scottsdale weekday mornings for the Historic Old Town ESPN Main Street Tailgate. The countdown is on to Super Bowl LVII, and Scottsdale is excited to host ESPN’s live broadcast leading up to the game. Starting Feb. 8, ESPN will begin broadcasting its pre-game coverage bright and early from Old Town Scottsdale. Beat the crowds by heading to the Historic Old Town ESPN Main Street Tailgate from 8-10 a.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday that week. Though festivities will continue through 8 p.m. each day, you’ll have a better chance of appearing on national television weekday mornings. In doing so, you’ll help Old Town Scottsdale shine on a national stage, support area businesses and inspire future travel to the destination.
Snap a Super Bowl LVII selfie in Old Town Scottsdale. Touch down by the corner of Fifth Avenue and Marshall Way to snap a photo and get excited for Scottsdale Super Season. Tag @AZSuperBowl on your Instagram photos for a chance to win cool prizes and share it with #ScottsdaleSuperSeason too!
Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West presents “Meet the Authors – Jana Bommersbach and Bob Boze Bell: Hellraisers & Trailblazers – The Real Women of The Wild West.” Both authors will discuss their latest collaboration, followed by a brief, moderated Q&A. Two sessions take place: 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9; and 2 p.m. Thursday, April 27. Attendance is limited. Email [email protected] to register.
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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 Scottsdale Farmers Market: The market features more than 100 local growers and specialty food producers. It runs 8 a.m.-1 p.m. every Saturday through June at 3806 N. Brown Ave.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance professionals will assist citizens with tax preparation Thursdays through April 13. The free service takes place 3-7 p.m. at Vista del Camino, 7700 E. Roosevelt St. Appointments aren’t necessary. Bring a photo ID, Social Security card, spouse and dependent information, income information and last year’s tax returns. Contact VITA nonprofit Masters of Coin website has answers for more information.
Neighborhood College registration is open for the spring series. We offer four tracks: HOA\Condo, Scottsdale 360, Good Neighbor and History. Register for one or all!
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Amending Your CC&Rs 6-8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 6, Community Design Studio, 7506 E. Indian School Road. Do you have a bad provision in your community's covenants, conditions and restrictions? Are your bylaws in conflict with Arizona Statutory Law? This seminar will also discuss common provisions of the CC&Rs and bylaws that have been trumped by recent changes to Arizona Statutory Law. Instructor: Augustus Shaw,
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Water Wise 11 a.m.-noon Thursday, Feb. 16, on Zoom. With the Colorado River water shortage, we have been asked to reduce use by five percent or more. Scottsdale's Water Policy Manager will talk about the city's water resources portfolio, the efforts the city is undergoing to conserve, and ways residents and businesses can help. Instructor: Scottsdale Water Policy Manager Gretchen Baumgardner.
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Behind the Scenes: Scottsdale Volunteer Opportunities. 1-3 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, Community Design Studio, 7506 E. Indian School Road. Libraries, Parks & Recreation, Police, Fire and so much more! The number of volunteer opportunities with the city of Scottsdale can be overwhelming. Learn about the process to become a volunteer and the steps you can take to be a great candidate. Instructors: City Staff.
Scottsdale Police Department’s Citizens' Academy is accepting applications. This 10-week series gives participants an up-close look at how the department operates to help you understand what they do, and how and why they do it. Get all the details, schedule and application. Limited spots are available. Applications close Sunday, Feb. 5. Apply now to be part of Class 64!
Police Chief Jeff Walther discusses the importance of "see something, say something." This phrase refers to the idea that if you notice something suspicious and/or out of the ordinary, speak up and report it by calling 911 or the police non-emergency line at 480-312-5000. It is essential for everyone to be aware of our surroundings and to take the initiative to report suspicious activity. By being vigilant and speaking up when something seems off, you can play a vital role in preventing incidents and ensuring the safety of our community.
Job of the Week: Accountant I: The City Treasurer’s Office is looking for a detail oriented, innovative, purpose-driven employee to perform a variety of introductory-level accounting and financial work. Duties including analyzing accounting records, maintaining accounts receivables and preparing information for the annual financial audit. Learn more and apply.
Serving on a city board or commission is a rewarding way to give back to your community. Promoting diversity and inclusion. Honoring veterans in our community. Examining policies that keep Scottsdale Airport safe. These are just some of the ways volunteers serve on boards and commissions to make Scottsdale a great place to live, work and play. Openings are available on the Airport Advisory Commission, Development Review Board, Human Relations Commission, Library Board, Neighborhood Advisory Commission, Tourism Development Commission and Veterans Advisory Commission. Learn more and apply by Thursday, Feb. 9.
Street Operations crews spruce up Old Town. In preparation for Scottsdale’s Super Season, traffic signal poles, street signs and directional parking signs are being refreshed in Old Town. Over the last several weeks, crews prepped and painted signal poles on Scottsdale and Indian School roads and replaced damaged signs with new back-lit ones on Main Street. Crews also are installing directional signs to help better guide vehicle traffic to public parking lots and garages.
Get the “big game” boost. Millions of people will descend on the Valley of the Sun in advance of the Super Bowl and many other events in Scottsdale. Getting a COVID-19 booster dose as soon as you are eligible will increase your immune response and help extend the protective benefits of your vaccination against COVID-19, including variants. Also, get your flu shot if you haven’t already. Find COVID-19 vaccine and flu shot locations.
