Oct. 16, 2023
Seeking community input: the impact of sound in Scottsdale. The city is evaluating potential ordinance changes and other mitigation methods that could ease the impacts from unreasonable noise while maintaining a vibrant and successful event and business environment. Your feedback is a key part of this process.
Attend any of three interactive workshops to learn more and share ideas for improving the city’s response to this important quality of life issue:
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9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 2
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1 – 3 p.m. Monday, Nov. 6
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5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7
The content of each workshop is the same – choose the one that works best with your schedule. Each workshop will be at the Scottsdale Community Design Studio, 7506 E. Indian School Road. Register for the workshop of your choice.
Voice of the People Award recognizes Scottsdale's commitment to resident engagement. The city earned a national “Voice of the People Award” for leveraging technology to expand the ways residents can provide input and ideas. The awards, presented by Polco and the International City/County Management Association, honor local governments that best engage residents and include public opinion in community decisions.
Learn how the city works for you during Arizona Cities and Towns Week, through Oct. 21. This annual commemoration is set aside each year to recognize the services cities and towns provide, as well as honor those elected officials, staff and volunteers who serve in municipal government. Follow us on Instagram, X and Facebook for details.
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:
October’s Civil War Roundtable features Tim Smith: “The Real Horse Soldiers: Benjamin Grierson’s Epic Raid Across Mississippi.” Grierson’s Raid broke a vital Confederate rail line at Newton Station that supplied Vicksburg and attracted the attention of the Confederate high command. While Southern leaders looked in the wrong direction, Grant moved his entire Army of the Tennessee across the Mississippi River below Vicksburg, spelling the doom of that city, the Confederate chances of holding the river, and perhaps the Confederacy itself.
The Scottsdale Civil War Roundtable meets Tuesday, Oct. 17, 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 Oktoberfest, Scottsdale style. Share the fun at noon, Thursday, Oct. 19, at the Via Linda Senior Center, where you'll enjoy brats and beer – root beer, that is! Cost is $7 for residents; $10 for others. Register.
Desert Dog Police K9 Trials and Public Safety Expo offer thrills, skills and drills. Witness the astounding talent of 70 K9 teams from across the nation, testing their skills through exhilarating on-field obstacles and real-life scenarios that law enforcement encounters daily. Besides K9 fun, families can explore more than 150 exhibitors and enjoy interactive demonstrations. The event takes place 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, and 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22, at WestWorld.
Get into the “spirit” of the season with these Halloween happenings:
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McDowell Mountain Ranch Aquatic Center hosts Dunkin’ for Pumpkins, Saturday, Oct. 22. This annual fall event features a floating pumpkin patch, decorating stations, music and more. Free admission. Pumpkins are $15 per person which includes decorating supplies Call 480-312-6677 for more information.
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Don't ghost this year’s annual Fall Festival. Dress to impress for the costume contest, try your hand at exciting carnival games, enjoy live entertainment and more. The free fun takes place from 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, at Chaparral Park.
Commemorate Scottsdale Dia de Los Muertos through multiple celebrations and art installations. These events bring together world-class artists and the local community to create a vibrant, visually entertaining, larger-than-life, cross-cultural experience with city-wide activations of art, altars and performances. Attend:
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Civic Center Arts Installation Experience runs 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27-Monday, Oct. 30, and features large-scale fine art installations, Mesoamerican-inspired sculptures and traditional altars in the outdoor space north of Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second St. Free.
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Altares Y Ofrendas celebrates the rich, ancient traditions of Dia de Los Muertos and runs 10 a.m.-10 p.m. daily, Monday, Oct. 23- Thursday, Nov. 2. Admission is $15 and free for children 10 and younger.
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“Fiesta De Muertos Y Danza” will be performed at 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, in the Virginia G. Piper Theater at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second St. Grandeza Mexicana Folk Ballet Company will combine art and ritual, transporting audience members through regions of Mexico and its richness and wonderment of cultures while honoring the origins of Dia de Los Muertos’ celebration of life, loss and remembrance.
Find out what made Wyatt Earp tick and hear entertaining info about America’s favorite outlaw Billie the Kid. Author and Western historian Mark Warren hosts two informative programs at Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West:
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After more than 60 years of research, Warren reveals the true nature of Wyatt Earp and explains why he has deservedly entered the pantheon of American heroes. The program takes place at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 24.
Both programs are free for museum members or with museum admission fees. Those wanting program access only can pay $5.
Listen to free music provided by The Scottsdale Concert Band. The band begins its 46th season at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 25, in the amphitheater at Scottsdale Community College. Under the new direction of Jeff Quamo, the band will perform Dvorak’s “New World Symphony;” a selection of tunes by Henry Mancini, “Mancini Magic;” “Bring Him Home;” from “Les Misérables,” and opera tunes from Puccini, with guest soloists Lisanne Norman-Brooks and Johnny Huerta. Also on the program is a baseball-themed tune that lovers of the sport will immediately recognize.
Fall in Love with Scottsdale Civic Center. The city officially unveils the much-anticipated Scottsdale Civic Center remodel — a comprehensive renovation of the area that has served as the city’s civic and signature special event and gathering space for 55 years. This celebration features more than 70 activities taking place in and around the center and throughout Old Town through Wednesday, Nov. 22. Get a complete list.
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Experience the amazing transition of the Scottsdale Civic Center campus over the past 60 years through photos and engaging stories. Community historian Joan Fudala will take participants down memory lane, providing smiles and cherished memories. This free presentation begins at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 17, at Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd.
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Celebrating Windows to the West, The Desert’s Garden and City Hall. Featuring speakers, dance performances, live music, food, and giveaways, we’ll recognize the 50th anniversary of Windows to the West by Louise Nevelson and celebrate the new artwork, The Desert’s Garden by Tammi Lynch-Forrest. This free event is open to the public and begins at Windows to the West. 4-6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26, Civic Center West Bowl.
Provide your feedback on how the city can improve our parks and programs. Scottsdale Parks and Recreation kicked off a master planning process that will serve as a blueprint for projects, priorities and structures over the next 10 years. We will collect information and community input during the year, assess future needs and benchmark with other agencies across the nation.
Here's how you can get involved and provide feedback:
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Visit the master plan website: Fill out a questionnaire, comment on an interactive map and learn more about the process.
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Virtual Workshop: Join us from the comfort of your computer or smart device to learn more about the master plan process and share your ideas for the future. 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 17. Register online.
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Adaptive Recreation Focus Group: Share your ideas on how we can expand accessibility, inclusion and programming geared towards those with neuro and physical diversities in our community. 6-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19, Adaptive Services Center.
Scottsdale historian Joan Fudala presents a photo-rich history about the geographic center of Scottsdale – the greater Pinnacle Peak area. Learn about Rawhide, Reata Pass, Pinnacle Peak Patio, Curry’s Corner, the Skins Games and more, focusing on the people and places of local legend and lore. The free program takes place from 11 a.m.-noon Thursday, Oct. 19, via Zoom. Register to get the link to participate.
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HOA/Condo Symposium, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, Community Design Studio. Learn the right way to amend your CC&Rs, how to conduct fair and legal board elections, and what to do if your association is in crisis. Lunch will be provided.
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Stories of Scottsdale History Series: Scoundrels, Rascals & Cutthroats, 1-3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26, Holland Center. Hear about the stories of famous and infamous crimes that happened in Scottsdale. You’ll learn how the mail was first brought from Phoenix to Scottsdale, why an Arizona high school has a unique mascot and what investigative tools were available to the police at various times.
Library rolls out new software that automatically renews patrons’ library cards. No need to visit a library branch or fill out an online application! Patron Point, a marketing software developed specifically for libraries, was introduced in September when Scottsdale launched its library card auto-renewal service. Learn more about our libraries.
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, an average of 24 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner in the United States — more than 12 million women and men over the course of a single year.
Right here at home, the city Prosecutor’s Office assisted 1,152 victims last fiscal year (July 2022-Jun 2023), with Victim Services providing 5,361 direct contacts during the same time. Assistance includes helping victims with orders of protection or injunctions against harassment, referring them to support services, escorting them to court, answering questions about the criminal justice process and advocating on their behalf.
Investing in Our Scottsdale: Construction is underway on the Miller Road connection between Pinnacle Peak and Happy Valley roads. Improvements are underway with storm drain installation on the east side of Miller Road, across Mariposa Grande Drive. Crews will soon begin a critical first step in bridge construction and drill 63 shafts, each averaging about 80 feet deep. Drilling will take place during weekday daytime hours and is expected to take a couple months. Learn more about the project.
Scottsdale's neighborhood trail system provides recreation and transportation opportunities for residents and visitors. Unpaved trails serve as transportation links between schools, neighborhoods, McDowell Sonoran Preserve trailheads, parks, places of employment and other areas of interest. Trails are a place for residents and visitors to spend time with friends and family in the beautiful Sonoran Desert in a peaceful and protected setting.
The city’s trail maintenance outreach program works with property owners, homeowner’s associations and commercial property developers to ensure trails are clear of debris and easy for users to navigate. If you have a trail in your neighborhood that requires maintenance, visit the Scottsdale EZ portal to report your concern.
A History Mystery: From politician to Scottsdale restauranteur. What do you do after serving as Arizona state treasurer from 1941-1943 and then being elected as state tax commissioner from 1944-1950? If you're Joe Hunt, you open one of the most popular and successful restaurants in Arizona.
Hunt was born in Kentucky in 1910 and moved to Arizona in 1915 with his family. He was a local celebrity with a 15-year run as a softball first baseman and manager. Prior to running for state office, he was the deputy Maricopa County treasurer for four years.
Hunt opened Joe Hunt’s Restaurant in 1963 in the four-year-old Scottsdale Fashion Square after running restaurants in Phoenix, Yuma and La Jolla. Hunt sold the Scottsdale restaurant in 1976.
Job of the Week: City Prosecutor Assistant I: The successful candidate performs expert professional legal work in preparing and prosecuting cases; conducts criminal trials and pre-trial hearings; interviews witnesses, victims and police officers; and presents arguments in court, among other duties. 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.
