HEADLINE NEWS
David Simmons starts today as Mayor David D. Ortega’s new chief of staff. Simmons began his career with the city, working as an engineering technician and development representative for more than 12 years before moving on to increased responsibilities in other organizations. He earned a bachelor's degree in urban planning from Arizona State University and a master's degree in administrative leadership from Northern Arizona University. Simmons has volunteered on the boards of Aunt Rita's Foundation and one•n•ten, and as the LGBTQ liaison to the Scottsdale city manager's office. The mayor's former Chief of Staff Rachel Smetana served in that role for two mayors for more than six years. She now leads the team at Vista del Camino Community Center. Read more.
THINGS TO DO
Enjoy music from around the world at the Scottsdale Concert Band’s free performance. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 23, in the Scottsdale Community College (SCC) Amphitheater, 9000 E. Chaparral Road. The Scottsdale Concert Band is an award-winning community band established in 1977, and it is the SCC’s longest standing ensemble. It performs a diverse repertoire ranging from timeless Big Band favorites, contemporary wind music and rousing patriotic tunes.
Big things are happening for small ones at the Exclusively Little Expo. This McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park event provides a one-stop-shop for families to find information about summer camps, school and education options, youth sports and recreation programs, indoor and outdoor activity opportunities, and a wide range of programs and services the city provides. The event takes place 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, March 26. Train rides on the Paradise & Pacific Railroad and Charros Carousel are $3. Children 2 and younger ride free with a paying adult. Learn more.
Ongoing Events and Activities:
PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
The Scottsdale Family Resource Center provides a variety of free services to support families, parents, caregivers, expectant parents and their young children. Located at the Paiute Neighborhood Center, the Family Resource Center provides access to resources, referrals to support services, and educational programs to ensure healthy growth and development for Scottsdale’s youngest learners and their families as they grow and thrive together. Learn more about the program.
Life is a beautiful ride; April is Valley Bike Month. With Valley Bike Month right around the corner, now is the time to start thinking about fun ways to pedal around town. Take the Bike Month Pledge to Ride or sign up for the Bike Month Challenge and compete with cyclists Valleywide. Enter now to participate in drawings for giveaways, and restaurant and retail gift cards. The deadline to register is March 31. Please note that Scottsdale’s April 3, Cycle the Arts bike tour is sold out, but you can add your name to the waitlist.
FYI
The do’s and don’ts of hazardous waste disposal. Did you know many household items contain hazardous materials that can cause garbage truck fires and hurt the environment when improperly disposed? Watch this video from the city’s Solid Waste Services and the Fire Department to learn how to safely get rid of dangerous materials.
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.
Planning case dashboard provides project updates. This online map allows you to see active planning and development projects throughout the city and in your neighborhoods. Cases are easily identified on the map and users can conveniently access the case information sheet related to a specific project.
Neighborhood College finishes the spring 2022 session with more than 450 attendees. The city hosted 456 participants in nine classes on topics such as HOA law, local resources for new residents, Medicare and stories of Scottsdale history. The city offered free hybrid classes. Volunteers and city staff serve as instructors. Watch videos of previous presentations.
Find out about traffic restrictions in and around Scottsdale. Get the list.
COVID-19 by the numbers. Maricopa County has been tracking COVID-19 cases since Jan. 22, 2020. Review the latest numbers.