Scottsdale Update - Oct. 9, 2023

HEADLINE NEWS 

Loop 101 overnight closures take place this weekend for routine maintenance and asphalt preservation sealant application. Take note:

  • Southbound Loop 101 (Pima) from Shea Boulevard to the Loop 202 (Red Mountain) will be closed from 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13-10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 14. 

  • Northbound Loop 101 (Pima) from the Loop 202 (Red Mountain) to Shea Boulevard will be closed from 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14-10 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 15.  

On and off ramps in these areas also will be closed. Learn more (pdf).

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:  

  • Visit the master plan website: Fill out a questionnaire, comment on an interactive map and learn more about the process. 

  • Playground Design Pop-Up: Bring the family to the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park and share feedback to guide future playground upgrades. We’ll sweeten the deal with free ice cream for everyone who participates. 9 a.m.-noon Friday, Oct. 13. 

  • 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

  • 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.  

This program is presented as part of the Neighborhood College. More October classes are listed below. Register for one class or all

  • 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. 

  • 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.

Panhandling signs encourage people to donate to nonprofits that assist with homelessness. You’ve likely seen “It’s OK to say no to panhandlers. Give instead to agencies that help those in need” signs at intersections around Scottsdale.   

Giving a few dollars to someone on the street corner may feel good in the moment, but these direct donations can prolong the problem. Most experts agree that the most effective way to help the homeless is to donate to, or volunteer with, the many social service agencies focused on addressing the larger root problems behind homelessness and panhandling.   

While panhandling is not illegal, panhandlers may distract drivers or obstruct views and put themselves at risk along busy roadways. 

Learn more about the ways Scottsdale is collaborating with community partners to help people in need at ScottsdaleAZ.gov, search “panhandling.”   

Water source secured for Rio Verde Foothills District. Today, the city of Scottsdale began providing water for transport to Maricopa County residents living in the Rio Verde Foothills area. In accordance with the intergovernmental agreement between the city and the Rio Verde Foothills Standpipe District, Scottsdale's own water resources will not be used. The city will receive and treat an additional allotment of CAP water, secured by the district through EPCOR, and provide it to haulers at the Pima Road Fill Station.  

The rate charged to the district is set so that costs are fully recovered on behalf of the Scottsdale residents who pay for the infrastructure and operation of the city's water system. The city's agreement is with the district only, which may then contract with other parties, such as EPCOR, to supply water. The agreement will terminate Dec. 31, 2025. 


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: 

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


THINGS TO DO 

William Matthews: “Decades” opens tomorrow at Western Spirit: Scottsdale Museum of the West. Best known for depicting the remote landscapes and portraits of people inhabiting the American West, Matthews has traveled the world and documented it in his watercolor paintings. The show also includes his other mediums, such as album covers and murals. It runs through April 28, 2024. 

Paiute Fall Festival: wear your favorite costume and enjoy a petting zoo, bounce houses and games while connecting with health resources. The Paiute Neighborhood Center is hosting a free Family Fall Festival and Health Fair from 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Oct. 14, 6535 E. Osborn Road. Get details

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.  

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.  

This week’s highlights: 

  • History Walking Tour – 5:30-7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 11; or 9-10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, Scottsdale Historical Museum, free: Take a guided walking tour that showcases the new improvements and the rich history of the Scottsdale Civic Center. 

  • Picnic in the Plaza – 3-7 p.m. Saturdays, through Oct. 28, West Paseo, free: Enjoy live music and enjoy the new plaza space in a relaxing atmosphere. 

Ongoing: 

  • Spook-Trac-Ula: This family-friendly event is perfect for kids of all ages. Ninety-minute time blocks at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. nightly, through Oct. 31.   

  • Arizona Fall League: Operated by Major League Baseball, the Arizona Fall League emerged in 1992 to bring together top minor league prospects during the off-season. Get the schedule and learn how to buy tickets

  • 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 Farmers Market: Find a variety of organic and pesticide-free produce, and seasonal specialties such as cider and apples, flowers, natural pork, beef, fish and free-range eggs. The market runs 8 a.m.-1 p.m. every Saturday through June at 3806 N. Brown Ave.  

  • Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts: Attend exciting, diverse events throughout the year. 

  • Find McDowell Sonoran Conservancy events

Get more events information.


PROGRAMS AND SERVICES 

Water conservation $250,000 grant allows more residents to participate in grass removal rebate program. Scottsdale Water has diligently worked to increase its water conservation efforts. Last fiscal year, the city increased the residential grass conversion from one to two dollars per square-foot for a maximum of $5,000. Thanks to the larger rebate amount and a heightened publicity campaign, there was a nearly 450% participation rate increase. In fiscal year 2022/2023, more than 401,000 square feet of grass was removed, which will save the city more than 20 million gallons of water in subsequent years.  

The Water Infrastructure Finance Authority provided the grant through the Water Conservation Grant Fund. Learn about the grass removal and other rebates

In the market for a job? Attend the Fall Career Fair. Meet local employers hiring for the season and beyond. The free event begins at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 10, at Vista del Camino, 7700 E. Roosevelt St. Employers from various industries will be onsite, ready to hire. Walk-ins are welcome but RSVPs are encouraged: [email protected]. Learn more. (pdf) 

Protect your identity by shredding your personal documents. The next shredding event runs 7-10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, in the Walmart parking lot, 15355 N. Northsight Blvd. Cost is $5 per box. Learn more.   

Join your friends and family for the fall 2023 Adopt-a-Road citywide cleanup. Be among the 200 groups cleaning more than 220 Scottsdale roadways Saturday, Oct. 28. The event is held in conjunction with National Make a Difference Day. Register your group and get details


FYI 

Watch the latest Fast Five. Come see what all the love is about at Scottsdale Civic Center with an impressive lineup of events this fall, the city is seeking board and commission members, and the Historic Old Town streetlight replacement is underway. These are just a few things happening in our community right now and highlighted in this month’s episode of Fast Five. Watch now.  

Mayor proclaims Monday, Oct. 9, Indigenous Peoples Day in Scottsdale. The day celebrates and honors Native Americans and commemorates their histories and cultures. The city recognizes that Indigenous People are the original inhabitants of the Americas, living respectfully on this land and under the sky we now call Scottsdale. On Oct. 8, 2021, U.S. President Joe Biden became the first U.S. President to formally recognize the holiday by signing a presidential proclamation declaring Oct. 11, 2021, to be a national holiday. It is celebrated across the United States on the second Monday in October. Read the proclamation (pdf). 

Job of the Week: Development Services Representative I: The successful candidate will provide customer service to the public, developers, contractors, engineers and others at the counter, over the telephone, and via the internet. 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


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