HEADLINE NEWS
Scottsdale Statement – Arizona Senate Bill 1432. As part of its continuing leadership role in addressing the lack of a sustainable water supply for Maricopa County residents in the Rio Verde Foothills area, the city stands ready to do its part as Arizona Senate Bill 1432 is signed into law. Scottsdale worked diligently with legislators and the Governor’s office and is confident that this legislation protects Scottsdale residents and addresses the city's primary short-term concerns while placing the city back into a role as temporary provider of water for Rio Verde Foothills. Read the key provisions. Review Arizona Senate Bill 1432 here (PDF).
Residents can receive email notification when City Council agendas are posted. A new email subscription enables residents to be notified when City Council meeting agendas are posted or amended. This initiative enhances transparency and fosters greater citizen engagement by providing timely and convenient access to important meeting information. Sign up.
Enjoy the summer solstice at Solstice Park, Wednesday. The city dedicated the community's smallest park, Solstice Park, in 2021 as part of its annual June Days celebration. Famed architect Paolo Soleri designed the park, which includes the Soleri Bridge and Plaza and encompasses a pedestrian passage, solar calendar and gathering spot along the Scottsdale Waterfront.
The bridge is anchored by two 64-foot pylons and is 27 feet wide on the south side, narrowing to 18 feet on the north. Situated at a true north axis, the bridge is intended to mark solar events produced by the sun’s shadow. The 6-inch gap between both sets of pylons allows the sun to create a shaft of light as the earth moves. Each solar noon – which can vary up to 40 minutes from noon – light coming through the gap produces a shadow. The length of this shaft of light varies depending upon the time of year.
At each summer solstice, when the sun is highest in the sky, no shadow is cast from the pylons. The summer solstice is the longest day of the year and marks the official beginning of summer in the northern hemisphere. The solstice will arrive at 7:57 a.m. Arizona time, Wednesday, June 21. There’s no better place to celebrate than here – just remember to wear a hat and sunscreen and bring lots of water!
Thanks to generous donations, volunteers delivered more than 100 Beat the Heat packages to homebound seniors. Ten volunteers delivered 108 packages which included water, Gatorade, nutrition drinks and snacks, and a second bag of hygiene items. Seniors also received a $35 grocery store gift card and postage stamps. Residents donated about $9,600 worth of in-kind donations and more than $6,565 in monetary donations. Learn more about the program.
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:
June Days celebration continues … enjoy all the things that make Old Town unique. Daily activities and events include wine tastings, art exhibits, crafting workshops, live performances and family-oriented outings. Plan your June Days at OldTownScottsdaleAZ.com.
-
Sunset in the Skyspace – Get comfy and lose yourself in the serene beauty of the James Turrell Knight Rise Skyspace as the sun sets on the longest day of the year. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 21, Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. Cost is $15.
-
Kids’ Glow Up Party: Get ready for an unforgettable experience as we bring you the ultimate kids foam glow party with DJ TRanzL8R spinning the best beats on the ones and twos. This party is perfect for kids 4-14. 7-8:30 p.m. Sunday, June 25, McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, 7301 E. Indian Bend Road. Free admission.
Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West unveils Western Pop: Andy Warhol and Billy Schenck exhibit. Viewers are invited to explore and compare the nostalgia of the American West through the eyes of two iconic American Pop artists:
-
Andy Warhol: “Cowboys & Indians” is a collection of 14 screen prints highlighting classic and popular Western archetypes and calls attention to the cultural significance of cowboys and Native Americans in the American West. Warhol used photographs as source material to distill an ocean of imagery into a series that explores the myths and nostalgia of the American West. This was Warhol’s last major project before he passed away in 1987.
-
Billy Schenck: “Myth of the West” features 29 works, including oil on canvas and serigraphs. Schenk, a genuine cowboy who was inspired by Warhol, based his paintings on Hollywood interpretations of a mythic “Old West” before transitioning to his own versions of a mythic “New West” in the 1980s. Schenck’s “New West” satirized Hollywood icons, urban cowboys and women with guns, allowing him to explore social and political commentary that could lead to universal truths and lies.
Children's Learning and Play Festival offers free fun and educational activities. This event features children’s authors, illustrators, music, live performances, rides, STEM activities, local business vendors and a host of interactive fun for toddlers, children and young adults. It runs 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, June 24, at WestWorld, 16601 N. Pima Road.
-
*Season finale: McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park’s Summer Concert Series: Enjoy free concerts 7-8:30 p.m. Sundays, through June 25, with a variety of local bands. Admission is free; train and carousel rides are $3 each with children two and younger ride free with a paying adult.
-
*Season finale: Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market: The market features more than 100 local growers and specialty food producers. It runs 7-10 a.m. Saturdays through June, at 3806 N. Brown Ave.
-
Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West Spirit of Summer events: Tag along every Tuesday and Wednesday for an amazing lineup of seasonal activities for all ages.
-
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. Tag along every Tuesday and Wednesday for an amazing lineup of seasonal activities for all ages.
-
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts: Attend exciting, diverse events throughout the year.
Back to School program needs your donations. We're gearing up for this important program as kids return to school in August. Students need new clothing, socks, underwear, shoes, backpacks and school supplies. Learn how you can donate items or money.
We want to hear from the Scottsdale business community about diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). The city is committed to prioritizing DEI in the business community, and we want to hear from our local businesses. Answers are anonymous and your email address will not be collected. Responses will help us better evaluate the needs of Scottsdale’s diverse businesses and develop resources that equip businesses with the tools needed to support DEI programs and initiatives. Participate through Friday, June 30. Provide feedback.
Watch the latest Fast Five. Scottsdale joins the Organization of World Heritage Cities, June Days celebrates all the things that make Old Town unique and be prepared for summer monsoons – these are just a few things you need to know now and highlighted in this month’s episode of Fast Five.
Job of the Week: Housing Rehabilitation Specialist - Community Assistance Office. Duties include performing specialized field work involving planning, implementing and coordinating housing neighborhood revitalization and housing rehabilitation activities including roof repair, emergency repair and Housing Rehabilitation programs. Benefits include: 12 paid holidays; sick leave; medical, dental and vision benefits; tuition reimbursement; participation in Arizona State Retirement System; and more. Learn more and apply.
Scottsdale Chamber accepting nominations for 37th annual Sterling Awards. The awards celebrate business excellence, innovation and community stewardship. Here are the award categories:
-
Micro Business: Recognizes an entrepreneurship or emerging business exhibiting success through innovation, creativity and collaboration. (1-10 Employees)
-
Small Business: Recognizes a company demonstrating success through innovation and professionalism, while contributing to the community. (11-75 employees)
-
Big Business: Recognizes significant contributions to quality of life and the economic fabric of the community. (76 + Employees)
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has issued a high ozone pollution advisory through Wednesday, June 21. Those with respiratory sensitivities are advised to take precautions during outdoor activities. Please help reduce ozone by doing one or more of the following:
-
Use gas or electric instead of burning wood
-
Ride transit, carpool or telework
-
Eliminate all unnecessary driving and/or combine trips
-
Avoid dirt roads
-
Avoid the use of leaf blowers
-
If burning wood for heat or food preparation, use dry wood (burning wet wood releases more particulate matter)
