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Scottsdale Update – Aug. 19, 2024

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The Scottsdale City Council will consider continuing the bridge housing program Wednesday. The program provides temporary lodging for Scottsdale residents who are seniors or families with minor children who meet specific program criteria. Item 6 on the Aug. 21 Scottsdale City Council agenda (PDF) requests approval of a $190,000 contract with a local hotel for five rooms to be used through May 2025.

The money comes from an Arizona Department of Housing grant previously accepted by the City Council in June 2023. This extension would be funded with savings from that grant – no city dollars would be used.

The location of the hotel remains the same as with previous program contracts -- this extension would fund five rooms, down from the ten rooms currently funded.

The City Council also will consider amending its public camping ordinance (Ord. 4644) (PDF) in the wake of a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that upholds a community’s ability to enforce overnight camping restrictions in its parks, streets and public places. The proposed amendment will remove the ordinance requirement that shelter space must be available prior to enforcement. Under the revised ordinance, an individual violating the ordinance will be given a reasonable opportunity to relocate prior to the issuance of a citation or an arrest.

Learn more about these agenda items.

Get schooled at the fall Neighborhood College classes. This program is a fantastic opportunity for residents to get engaged and informed about various aspects of our community. With four tracks available – HOA/Condo, Good Neighbor, Stories of Scottsdale History and Scottsdale 360 – there's something for everyone.

The program equips residents with the knowledge, resources and tools needed to become effective neighborhood leaders, which is crucial for fostering a strong sense of community and collaboration. Additionally, entertaining history classes add fun to the learning experience, making it both informative and enjoyable. Get dates, times, locations, class descriptions and registration information.

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.

Week of Aug. 19:

Week of Aug. 26 – Check back next week for the full list:

Learn about the responsibilities of city Boards and Commissions and how you can serve. Find more public meetings.

Things to do

Donate a backpack and get a free ride in a police car. Attend the “Catch a Ride Backpack Drive” to support the city’s Back to School program. The event takes place 3-6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 20, at the McKellips Police Station parking lot, 7601 E McKellips Road. The course will be closed; age restrictions apply.

Feeling groovy? Attend an unforgettable evening at this year’s Splash & Groove. Dive into the fun at the Scottsdale Civic Center splash pad while enjoying a live DJ spinning popular tracks. The free event runs 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, at Scottsdale Civic Center, 3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd.

We want to take you out to the old ball game! Seniors are invited to attend the Thursday, Aug. 29, Diamondback’s baseball game at Chase Field. The event is free, but registration is required: Call Granite Reef Senior Center at 480-312-1700 or the Via Linda Senior Center at 480-312-5810 to register.

WestWorld hosts events that blend crafting and cowboys. Whether appreciating the artistry of quilting and crafting or enjoying the excitement of the rodeo, WestWorld of Scottsdale offers a weekend filled with creativity, culture and community. Don't miss these events:

  • Quilt, Craft and Sewing Festival, Aug. 29-31: This three-day festival is for sewing, quilting, and crafting enthusiasts. With an extensive range of exhibitors showcasing the latest tools, fabrics and supplies, visitors can immerse themselves in a world of inspiration.
  • Arizona Black Rodeo, Aug. 30-31: The fun takes center stage in the Equidome with more than just a rodeo. It’s a celebration of African American heritage and culture. As one of the largest African American events in the state, activities draw fans who will witness thrilling rodeo competitions and enjoy the rich traditions of the Western lifestyle.

Ongoing:

Get more events information.

Programs and Services

Maricopa County Public Health is providing free vaccines at the Paiute Neighborhood Center. Stop by 9 a.m.-noon Friday, Aug. 23, 6535 E. Osborn Road. Available vaccines:

For ages 6 months and older

  • COVID-19
  • Flu

For adults 19 and older

  • Hepatitis A
  • Hepatitis B
  • TDAP (Tetanus)
  • MMR

Children need consent from a parent or legal guardian to get vaccinated. Bring insurance information, those without insurance are still welcome. Call the CARES Center at 602-506-6767 for questions.

Get the chance to win a $10,000 grocery gift card at Scottsdale Airport’s blood drive. The Vitalant blood mobile will be available from 8 a.m.-noon Monday, Aug. 26, at the Aviation Business Center, 150000 N. Airport Drive. You’ll automatically be entered for a chance to win one of two $10,000 grocery gift cards. And there’s more ... Volanti Restaurant and Lounge is thanking donors by providing a free appetizer voucher! Sign up. Read the flyer.

Investing in Our Scottsdale: Pima Road improvements are complete between Pinnacle Peak and Happy Velley roads. The project widened Pima Road to three lanes in each direction to improve capacity and efficiency and added drainage improvements. Raised curb and gutter with curbed inlets, catch basins and scuppers for drainage will improve road safety during major storms. Other enhancements include landscaped medians, six-foot wide sidewalks and two miles of on-street bike lanes.

FYI

The Jane Rau Trail and equestrian parking lot at Brown’s Ranch will be closed for trail repairs Aug. 26-30. The Brown’s Ranch Trailhead will remain open. Hikers also can use Pima/Dynamite, Fraesfield and Granite Mountain trailheads during this time. Learn more about preserve trailheads.

Explore the rich heritage and artistry of the American West for half price at Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West. This “Cool Frontier” exhibit sale runs weekends Aug. 23-25 and Aug. 30-Sept. 1.

Click the dates below to get tickets:

By the numbers:

  • Human Services served 950 students from 400 families during its Back-to-School event. Students are provided with essential school supplies, backpacks, clothing, shoes and more.
  • Vista del Camino Food Bank diverted about 6,400 pounds of waste through composting in nine weeks. The facility also made the transition to reusable canvas bags for food distribution. The bags cost half the price as previously used cardboard boxes and offer a more environmentally friendly option.
  • Scottsdale Public Library partnered with Scottsdale Unified School District to serve nearly 3,600 summer lunches through the Kids Cafe program.
  • Neary 6,400 Summer Reading Challenge participants logged an impressive 5.7 million minutes of reading.
  • Aquatics:
    • Scottsdale Aquatics is helping 219 people learn to swim this month through a waived-fee program in recognition of Drowning Impact Awareness Month.
    • More than 400 participants showcased their skills in a swim and dive meet at Cactus Aquatic and Fitness Center.
    • Out of 57 participants in this year’s Junior Lifeguard Volunteer Program, 45 met their volunteering requirements, with 15 eligible to obtain lifeguard certification and apply for a Scottsdale Lifeguard position.
    • Eldorado Aquatic Center’s Safety Luau attracted more than 450 guests who enjoyed the waterpark, a dive-in movie, danced to a live DJ, learned to hula and gained valuable water safety tips.
  • Red, White and Choo Choo drew 1,800 attendees to McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park.
  • About 745 people attended Slide the Rails at the railroad park, enjoying water attractions, a foam pit, water balloon fight and the ever-popular train and carousel rides.

Multiple Loop 101 overnight bridge closures will take place at the following locations 9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 22- 5 a.m. Friday, Aug. 23:

  • East- and westbound Bell Road underpass
  • Northbound Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard to Princess Drive/ Pima Road
  • Northbound on-ramps at Shea Boulevard, Cactus Road and Raintree Drive

The project is part of the Arizona Department of Transportation's two-year project to add lanes and improve interchanges on Loop 101 between Shea Boulevard and Princess Drive/Pima Road. “Stay in the Loop” by subscribing to project updates on ADOT's website.

Job of the Week: Auditor/Senior Auditor This position conducts complex, comprehensive financial, compliance, information systems, and/or performance audits of city divisions, departments, programs, units or businesses having contracts with the city. It may be filled as an auditor, with the opportunity for promotion into the senior auditor position based on qualifications and job performance.

The city offers a competitive benefits package including 12 paid holidays, vacation and sick leave accruals, health coverage, tuition reimbursement, pet insurance and more. Learn more and apply.

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by Office of Communications
Aug 19, 2024
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