Scottsdale Update - March 20, 2023

HEADLINE NEWS

We’re celebrating women who tell our stories. Women’s History Month is a celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture and society and has been observed annually in March since 1987. This year, Scottsdale will honor women with an event featuring Collette V. Smith - the NFL's first African American female coach, at 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 21, at the Indigenous Cultural Center at Scottsdale Community College, 9000 E. Chaparral Road. RSVP.

The Scottsdale Family ArtsFest will celebrate students’ visual and performing arts, this weekend. This free two-day festival of creativity will include performances, interactive demonstrations and culinary delights from local food trucks. The event runs 4-6 p.m. Friday, March 24, and resumes 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, March 25, at the ASU Scottsdale Innovation Center. Learn more.

Investing in Our Scottsdale: Phase one of Indian Bend Wash lakes and irrigation repairs are underway. The first segment of construction begins today with the rehabilitation of Eldorado Park Pond, just south of Murray Lane. Additional work will include converting some turf areas to xeriscape landscaping, improving concrete pathways, replacing irrigation and rebuilding the pump station. Construction is expected to run through early summer. Phase two begins in the fall and includes building a new lake wall and intake line to the pump station.

Scottsdale voters funded this project as part of the 2019 Bond Election. Visit the project website for details.


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. Here’s what’s coming up: 


THINGS TO DO

Cactus Classic continues through Saturday at WestWorld. The Cactus Reining Classic held its first event in 2005 at WestWorld of Scottsdale. Since then, the attendance and prize money have grown to become one of the National Reining Horse Association’s top 10 annual events. It has gained quite the attention thanks to the hit show “Yellowstone” and the reality show “The Last Cowboy,” which have both been filmed at WestWorld.  

March's Civil War Roundtable features Civil War Historian Eric Wittenberg. A prolific author, having written more than 20 books, Wittenberg will speak about Union cavalry operations at the Battle of Chickamauga. Wittenberg is the leading authority on Civil War cavalry operations. His lecture is based on his 2018 monograph “Holding the Line on the River of Death: Union Mounted Forces at Chickamauga, September 18, 1863.” 

The Scottsdale Civil War Roundtable meets Tuesday, March 21, at Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd. The lecture starts at 5 p.m.; doors open at 4 p.m. for book sales and a speaker meet and greet. You can also join via Zoom.

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 25, 7301 E. Indian Bend Road. Free admission. Get details.

Scottsdale will host a special thank you for Vietnam veterans on National Vietnam Veterans Day, Wednesday, March 29. The free event features live music, food, and most importantly … a special opportunity for the community to meet Vietnam veterans, thank them, and learn their stories of service and sacrifice. The structured social hour begins at 5:30 p.m. at the 360 Stage on Scottsdale Civic Center. An RSVP is requested so we can make sure we have food for everyone.

We will provide Vietnam veteran lapel pins to all who served in the armed forces during the Vietnam era, courtesy the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration. Special pins for those who lost a family member will be available as well. 

As a Vietnam 50th Commemorative Partner, Scottsdale joins a grateful nation in thanking and honoring Vietnam veterans and their families. Learn more. Special thanks to the Veterans Heritage Project.

Arizona Bike Week is back March 29-April 2, at WestWorld with entertainment for riders and music fans alike. Arizona Bike Week at WestWorld is a celebration of motorcycles and music. With two stages featuring live music plus vendors stunt shows contests and demos, there’s plenty of entertainment options for everyone. In addition to new features, there will be many of the beloved staples: Vendor Village offers everything from motorcycle parts to custom jewelry, bike shows, factory demo trucks, freestyle motorcycle stunt jumpers and stunt riders. Learn more and buy tickets.   

The city honors Cesar Chavez, American labor leader and civil rights activist, at a free event March 30. Attend from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., at the Civic Center Library Auditorium, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd. Bill Barquin, Radio Campesina chief operating officer and Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce board member, will share how he dedicates his time to the social and economic well-being of the Latino community. Bring your lunch; dessert will be provided.

Experience an adventurous evening while camping at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park’s Tents by the Tracks. We offer a variety of activities suitable for all ages, including dinner, a movie, breakfast, and train and carousel rides. Hartley’s General Store will be open for ice cream and other treats. The event runs from 3 p.m.-10 a.m. April 1-2. Learn more and register.  

Ongoing:

  • Spring Training: The San Francisco Giants battle other Cactus League teams at Scottsdale Stadium through March 25. Get a schedule (pdf). Buy tickets Learn about Scottsdale Stadium. Trolley route (pdf).

  • Sun & Sounds: noon-4 p.m. Sundays, through March 28, Civic Center. Experience the best local music in a laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere, surrounded by unique artist vendors.

  • The Rich Legacy of Scottsdale Spring Training. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. through April, at Scottsdale Civic Center Library. This new exhibit provides a whimsical and thought-provoking journey through more than six decades of baseball at Scottsdale Stadium and its home city. 

  • 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. 

  • 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. 

Get more events information


PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

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. 

Senior center hosts program to aid those with hearing loss. This free four-week rehabilitation program is for those with hearing loss or having trouble with everyday communication. The program takes place at 1:30 p.m. Mondays, April 3-24, at the Granite Reef Senior Center, 1700 N. Granite Reef Road. Arizona State University’s clinical faculty and graduate students host classes. Topics include what causes hearing loss, hearing technology, emotional and social effects of hearing loss, communication strategies and self-advocacy skills. Family members and significant others of individuals with hearing loss are encouraged to attend. Registration is required.

Find real-time information about projects happening near you. Get details on construction activity, development requests, building permits, code enforcement notices and crime activity. Simply enter your address or intersection on “My Neighborhood,” and view activity from the last six months.  


FYI

Scottsdale recognized as diversity partner at Paradise Valley Community College Diversity Excellence reception. The Office of Diversity and Inclusion recently hired three talented interns to push the mission of the office forward. Among them is Will Zhou, a first year PVCC student studying social work. Will and Diversity Program Director Jackie Johnson were recognized as Diversity Champions at the PVCC Diversity Excellence Reception, where award winners and PVCC Social and Cultural Grant recipients were also celebrated. Will is working alongside Jackie to compile FAQs about the city’s Anti-Discrimination Ordinance, supporting the #ScottsdaleForAll campaign by identifying individuals to highlight, and developing communication about the importance of the campaign. Will is also helping to determine community partnership opportunities for the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.

What happens here stays here. Shop Scottsdale. Did you know $43 of every $100 spent in Scottsdale stays in Scottsdale? Learn the importance of supporting and shopping local. Get an inside look at some of our amazing small businesses and their journeys to success. 

Smoke alarms – toss 'em in 10. Regardless of whether your home has battery-powered or hard-wired smoke alarms, they need to be replaced every 10 years. The older the alarm, the longer it takes to recognize a fire and alert you. Since a fire can double in size every two minutes, you don't have time to spare. 

Facts: 

  • Half of home fire deaths occur in the 6% of homes with no smoke alarms. 

  • In three of every 10 reported fires in homes equipped with smoke alarms, the devices did not work. Households with non-working smoke alarms now outnumber those with no smoke alarms. 

  • Smoke alarms most often fail because of missing, dead or disconnected batteries. 

Snakes alive! As the temperatures rise, so do snake sightings. The warmer weather encourages them to come out and become more active after their winter rest. If you or someone with you is bitten by a poisonous snake, call 911 immediately. The Scottsdale Fire Department offers tips on what to do when snakes are in residential areas and how to ensure your safety.   

Job of the Week: Court Clerk I. This position provides a variety of clerical duties in support of the court operations and services such as processing case information, and docketing and reporting accurate case file information. It includes frequent public contact including cashiering/taking payments, answering phone calls, and supporting judicial and administrative personnel. Learn more and apply.


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