HEADLINE NEWS
Scottsdale named a finalist for two technology innovation awards. The city’s development and launch of two applications – one that improves water conservation efforts and another that expedites public safety response at large scale events – landed Scottsdale a finalist designation in two categories of the 2023 International Data Corporation Smart Cities Awards.
The awards recognize municipalities that best use electronic methods to make life better for residents and to attract visitors and new businesses. These cities, called Smart Cities, are embracing new technologies; the IDC supports these cities and showcases their efforts.
Investing in Our Scottsdale: City Council approves modifying a one-mile stretch of 68th Street from Indian School to Thomas roads. 68th Street north and south of that segment is one lane in each direction, and traffic data shows that this segment isn't consistently busy enough to warrant extra lanes. This project will narrow the road to match the segments north and south of the project, modify raised medians and add right turn lanes and left-turn bays to improve traffic flow and safety. New bike lanes and pedestrian crossings are part of the project as well, making the road friendlier for neighborhood residents on both sides. Learn more.
Caution … native wildlife is active during spring. You may have read about recent coyote attacks in city neighborhoods. Coyotes, along with bobcats, javelina, raccoons and skunks can be seen in urban areas this time of year. According to the Arizona Game and Fish Department, there have been about 25 coyote attacks on people in the Valley since 2017. In most cases, attacks result from other people leaving food out for the wild animals when they’re not supposed to. Coyotes and other wildlife are part of our community, and it’s important to take precautions when out and about and be aware of your surroundings. Arizona Game and Fish Department staff recently hosted a Living with Urban Wildlife presentation at Mustang Library – watch it here.
Discourage wildlife from living in your area by removing habitat essentials such as water, food and shelter. Call the Arizona Game and Fish Department at 602-942-3000 for more information.
Scottsdale will host a special thank you for Vietnam veterans on National Vietnam Veterans Day. 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. Wednesday, March 29, 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.
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.
Scottsdale hosts two events for April's Bike Month.
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CANCELLED: Ride to Read: Saturday, April 1.
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Cycle the Arts: 8:30 a.m. Sunday, April 16, starts at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts – This event offers 4-mile and 13-mile bike tours of the city’s public art collection.
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Bike to Work: morning, Thursday, April 27 – Commuting cyclists are invited to stop along their ride to work for snacks at designated stops throughout the city.
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:
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
Bring summer relief for home-bound seniors. The Beat the Heat program serves two equally important functions. First, the city provides homebound seniors with heat relief items to help keep them cool during the summer. Second, staff and volunteers assess the needs of our most vulnerable and help connect to any needed resources. We rely on monetary and supply donations to make this program possible. Please bring donations from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, April 3-May 26, to the Via Linda Senior Center. Learn what items are most needed.
Mildred Heber and the Holland Center are the 2022 Spirit of Scottsdale Award winners. The 2022 Individual Award goes to Mildred Heber who was nominated for her tireless efforts in volunteering with Scottsdale Human Services. A well-known figure at the Vista del Camino food bank with 14 years of volunteering experience, Mildred was quoted as telling those she mentors that she “won’t stand for any sloppiness or not following guidelines.”
The Holland Center is the 2022 Organization Award winner. Originated as The Foothills Community Foundation in 1986, The Holland Center is a nonprofit organization that provides a focal point for cultural programming, adult and youth education and community gatherings.
Looking to book a birthday party at the pool this summer? Online reservations for spaces at Eldorado and McDowell Mountain Ranch Aquatic Centers are available. Birthday party reservations can be made in two-hour blocks during waterpark hours in May, June, July and August. Learn more.
Job of the Week: Various recreation positions. Summer is approaching and the city is looking for all kinds of recreation workers. Enjoy various duties, including doing administrative duties, planning activities for kids and organizing sports leagues. Get details.
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City Call Center – 480-312-3111
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Report things that need to be fixed, or submit other requests via Scottsdale EZ
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Traffic Restrictions Map – We update this map weekly to include most road improvement projects
