Scottsdale Update - March 11, 2024

HEADLINE NEWS 

Scottsdale City Council to delve into key sustainability priorities. The Scottsdale City Council is set to further examine crucial sections of the city's draft sustainability plan during a work study session Tuesday, March 19. The meeting starts at 5 p.m. in the City Hall Kiva. The session will concentrate on the remaining priorities of energy, waste and extreme heat. In November, the City Council provided direction on the new framework, proposed targets and the introduction, air quality and water sections of the sustainability plan.

Scottsdale's Community Sustainability Plan aims to be a comprehensive roadmap with specific action steps, aligning with the 2035 General Plan and reaffirming the city's commitment to environmental stewardship. The upcoming work study session marks another significant step forward in this sustainability journey, underscoring the city's dedication to being good stewards of the environment. Scottsdale encourages active participation and invites interested parties to learn more about the sustainability plan by visiting ScottsdaleAZ.gov and searching for "sustainability plan." View the agenda item (pdf).

Celebrate Women's History Month with Scottsdale Public Library. Women’s History Month is a celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture and society and has been observed annually during March in the United States since 1987. View the following exhibits and attend programs supported by a grant from The Women's Collective, a group whose mission is to inspire and elevate women leaders:

  • Scottsdale Public Library Celebrates the Women Who Built Scottsdale: This art exhibit features pictures from library archives and tributes to some of the women who led the way and worked behind the scenes to make Scottsdale what it is today. Through March 30, Civic Center Library

  • Inspired Imaginations: Women of Consequence: This art and poetry installation features Scottsdale's poet laureate Lois Roma Deeley and artist Cherie Buck-Hutchinson. Through March 31, Civic Center Library

  • Why Does Your Story Matter? Throughout history, storytelling has been the conduit for learning and communication. It’s a powerful tool and one that shapes personal, professional and cultural narratives. For women whose stories have often been marginalized or erased, defining their narratives becomes an act of empowerment. In collaboration with Scottsdale's Human Relations Commission, attend this program featuring Gloria Feldt, acclaimed speaker and expert on women's empowerment. 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 21, Civic Center Library

Request a pothole repair. Weather fluctuation, utility cuts, and roadway wear and tear, among other things, cause street damage. The city is expediting repairs by doubling its two-person repair crew and looking to add a third-party vendor to assist. Repairing potholes necessitates closing the road for up to 30 minutes. Crew and public safety are priorities; motorists should drive with caution when approaching a construction zone and follow posted signs. Visit Scottsdale EZ to request a pothole repair.

Scottsdale employee recognized for blood drive efforts. Scottsdale Project Management Assistant Mya Trivison has made it her mission to make sure Valley blood supplies remain in good standing. Why? Because she knows the impact it can have on the lives of people in need.

In 2018, Trivison’s father was a blood donation recipient during his struggle with cancer, and her mother, who is undergoing chemotherapy, has received several pints and platelet donations to combat the side effects of the treatment. To help ensure other families have access to this much-needed resource, Trivison coordinated nine blood drives at city facilities in 2023, which collected 239 donations.

In recognition of her efforts, Vitalant, one of the nation's largest nonprofit blood and biotherapies healthcare organizations, recently named Trivison a 2023 Impact Award winner.

In keeping with her momentum in 2023, Trivison has arranged for the city to host several blood drives at Scottsdale City Hall in 2024. They are open to the public:

Reservations are available at the date links above.


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 March 11: 

Week of March 18 (Posted so far; check back next week for the full list):

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


THINGS TO DO 

Big things are happening for small ones at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park’s “Exclusively Little.” This is the perfect one-stop-shop for families to find information about summer camps, school and education options, youth sports, city recreation programs and more. There also will be plenty of activities for the park’s youngest friends. The event runs 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, March 16, 7301 E. Indian Bend Road. Free admission. Get details.

Here’s a reason to be freezin’! Rally your family and friends to join the Scottsdale Police Department for the Polar Plunge to raise funds for Special Olympics Arizona. The event runs 1-2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 16, at Chaparral Aquatic Center, 5445 N. Hayden Road. Creative costumes are encouraged! Enjoy food and music too. Learn more and register!

March’s Civil War Roundtable features Steven Cowie, award winning screenplay writer and author.  A lifelong student of the Civil War, Cowie devoted 15 years to researching and writing his first book, “When Hell Came to Sharpsburg,” which examines the aftermath of America's bloodiest day – the Battle of Antietam – and its impact upon the civilians living in Sharpsburg, Maryland. The Scottsdale Civil War Roundtable meets Tuesday, March 19, at Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd. The lecture starts at 6 p.m.; doors open at 5 p.m. for book sales and a speaker meet and greet. 

Celebrate students’ visual and performing arts at the Scottsdale Family ArtsFest. This free two-day festival of creativity will include performances, interactive demonstrations and local food truck culinary delights. The event runs 5-9 p.m. Friday, March 22, and resumes 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, March 23, at the ASU Scottsdale Innovation Center.

Join the Scottsdale community in thanking Vietnam veterans March 29. A free event to honor and thank Vietnam veterans will be held 11:30 a.m. Friday, March 29 – National Vietnam Veterans Day – at the Scottsdale Civic Center East Bowl. The event includes a complimentary lunch for registered guests, a display of classic vehicles from the 1960s and 1970s, a special guest speaker from the Veterans Heritage Project and information from HonorHealth about its combat medic training program. Most importantly, the event is an opportunity to meet Vietnam veterans and learn about their stories of service and sacrifice. The Scottsdale Veterans Advisory Commission is hosting the event. Learn more. Please register for this free public event

Ongoing: 

Get more events information.


PROGRAMS AND SERVICES 

Attend this season’s final Neighborhood College classes. Neighborhood College   provides residents, neighborhood groups and homeowners associations with the information, resources and tools needed to become effective neighborhood leaders. There’s also some fun, entertaining classes, as well.

  • Murder in the First Degree: Two cases that shocked Scottsdale. Learn about two cases where the suspect planned and prepared a murder. The free program takes place 1-3 p.m. Wednesday, March 13, at Mustang Library Auditorium, 10101 N. 90th St., or 6-8 p.m. Monday, March 18, at the Community Design Studio, 7506 E. Indian School Road. 

  • Rentals, Animals & Disabilities - What You Need to Know. This session is for housing providers, tenants, applicants, social service agencies and advocates. Learn about the rights and responsibilities regarding federal, state and local fair housing laws. The free program takes place 9:30-11:30 a.m. Monday, March 18, at the Community Design Studio, 7506 E. Indian School Road.

  • The Fruit of the Poisonous Tree. What began as an extramarital affair in the Bisbee/Sierra Vista area led to the murder of a husband in Scottsdale in 1976. No one could predict what happened at the trial! The free program takes place 1-3 p.m. Tuesday, March 19, at the Holland Community Center, 34250 N. 60th St., Building B.

Learn how to use water more efficiently and effectively by attending Scottsdale Water’s free workshops. Learn more about each class, and register for one or all:

  • 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.

Attend the “What to Wear Career Fair.” The city’s Career Center staff will assist job seekers in improving their interview skills, enhancing their resume, selecting a professional interview outfit and networking. The event runs 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday, March 21, at Vista del Camino Community Center, 7700 E. Roosevelt St. Employers will be onsite offering part-time and full-time opportunities for various positions. Learn more (pdf). Walk-ins are welcome but job seekers are encouraged to register prior to event by calling 480-312-0060 or emailing [email protected].   


FYI

Catch the replay of the Scottsdale Police Department’s Town Hall meeting. Listen to a discussion about the dinner-time residential burglaries and prevention.  

New Podsdale episode - Scottsdale Kids: March Madness Edition. We're diving into the vibrant world of kids' activities in Scottsdale … gearing up for spring filled fun, laughter and memorable moments for your little ones. Join guests Alex Sanchez and Jennifer Wong-Ortiz as they share the inside scoop on spring break camps and library programming designed to keep your kids engaged, entertained, and educated. We're highlighting some of the most anticipated events and programs that promise to make this month unforgettable for your children. Citizen Advisor Bruce Wall joins the group to share the history behind the city's Fountain of Youth. Listen now

Watch the latest Fast Five. New city park, new wayfinding signs along the paths network including Indian Bend Wash and save the date for all the free fun events coming this spring. These are just a few things you need to know now and highlighted in this month’s episode of Fast Five.

CDC updates and simplifies respiratory virus recommendations. The Centers for Disease and Prevention Control released updated recommendations for how people can protect themselves and their communities from respiratory viruses, including COVID-19. The new guidance brings a unified approach to addressing risks from a range of common respiratory viral illnesses, such as COVID-19, flu and RSV, which can cause significant health impacts and strain on hospitals and health care workers. 

CDC is making updates to the recommendations now because the United States is seeing far fewer hospitalizations and deaths associated with COVID-19 and because we have more tools than ever to combat viruses. As part of the guidance, CDC provides active recommendations on core prevention steps and strategies and additional considerations for people who are at higher risk of severe illness from respiratory viruses, including older adults, young children, people with compromised immune systems, people with disabilities, and pregnant people.

Job of the Week: Maintenance Technicians. Your duties will span a wide range of tasks, from providing day-to-day leadership and staff direction to executing maintenance projects with precision. You'll tackle everything from irrigation preventative maintenance to sports field line layout and painting, mowing, fertilization, herbicide application and troubleshooting turf-related issues. If you're ready to roll up your sleeves and be part of a team dedicated to keeping Scottsdale beautiful, learn more and apply.


QUICK LINKS: 


Scottsdale What Works Cities 2023 Gold certification

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