Message from Vice Mayor Ann O'Brien
We’re going to make history in District 1 at Deer Valley Park tonight! For the first time, the City of Phoenix will feature a drone light show, replacing traditional fireworks with a high-tech, eco-friendly display of synchronized lights choreographed to music. For years, I’ve championed the use of drone technology to support public safety in our parks, as well as in our police and fire departments, and I worked with the Parks Department to bring the same innovation to our annual celebration. Unlike fireworks, drone shows produce no smoke, no debris, and no ear-splitting booms—making them a welcome option for families with young children, veterans, pets, and wildlife. They’re also highly customizable and our historic show will feature Phoenix-themed images and logos. The drone light show begins at 8:45 pm, but the fun starts earlier at 6 pm, with live entertainment, food trucks, and inflatables for the kids. I hope you’ll join me and celebrate the spirit of Independence Day with community!
I was honored to speak at a Juneteenth celebration organized by the Central Arizona Chapter of the National Forum for Black Public Administrators. June 19 marks the day that union troops arrived in Texas in 1865 to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation, marking the end of slavery, which had been ordered more than two years earlier. At City Hall, we reflected on the historical significance, celebrated achievements, and enjoyed food trucks and local small business owners displaying their products. I couldn’t choose between sweet or spicy and ended up getting strawberry shortcake, chocolate cake, and a hot spice mix! As Vice Mayor, it’s my privilege to support Juneteenth events, along with other events organized by our nine employee groups which also include, City of Phoenix Employees for Christ; Disabled Employees, Allies, and Leaders; Native American Network; Toastmasters Club; Phoenix Asian League; Phoenix Hispanic Network; Phoenix LGBTQ Employee Alliance; Women in Leadership. I’m proud of Phoenix’s diversity!
I hope you were able to watch or listen to the public forum with our three finalists for Police Chief. In alphabetical order, the finalists are Malik Aziz, Matthew Giordano and Mirtha V. Ramos. You can find the public forum via this link from the city’s YouTube channel. After the public forum, I had the opportunity to hear from the candidates, along with my council colleagues. City Manager Jeff Barton will take all feedback into consideration before making his final decision, which is expected in July.
Our last community meeting before summer break will be a special one because we’re joining forces with Councilwoman Debra Stark. She represents District 3, which borders District 1 in some areas. By holding a joint community meeting, we hope to reach even more people. We’ll hear from the Fire Department who will talk lockboxes and heat safety! The meeting will take place at the Doubletree Hilton North Phoenix from 7:30 – 9 a.m. on Friday, June 27. You can find the RSVP link below.
Ann O'Brien
Vice Mayor of Phoenix
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Mark Your Calendars: Community Meeting
Our next meeting will be Friday, June 27th, at the DoubleTree Resort Metrocenter located at 10220 N Metro Pkwy E, Phoenix, AZ 85051. Plan for check-in to begin at 7:30am and the meeting to start at 8:00am.
You can register below for the upcoming meeting! As a reminder, please fill out the form SEPARATELY for EACH member of your family planning to attend. Thank you!
News From the City of Phoenix
After Park in the Dark
 Mark your calendars for a magical evening under the stars—After Dark in the Park is back, and this year it's bringing a bold new experience to the skies. For the first time ever, the event will feature a drone light show, replacing the traditional fireworks with a high-tech, eco-friendly spectacle.
Join us on tonight at Deer Valley Park (19602 N. 19th Ave, Phoenix) for an evening of community fun, food, music, and entertainment. The highlight of the night—the drone show—begins at 8:45 p.m., promising a breathtaking display of synchronized lights choreographed to music.
Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and sense of wonder, and come experience this innovative twist on a local favorite. We’ll see you After Dark in the Park!
Attention Phoenix Parents and Swimmers
 Mark your calendars! The City of Phoenix swim lesson enrollment opens on June14,2025 at 10AM. If you're looking to boost confidence and skill in the water, don’t miss this opportunity!
Click here to view available classes and register:
City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Swim Lessons
Whether you're starting at the basics or refining your technique, the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department offers lessons tailored for all ages and abilities. Spots fill up fast, so be ready when registration begins!
Pro Tips:
- Set a reminder so you don’t miss the 10AM start time.
- Create or log into your City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Activenet account beforehand to speed up the checkout process.
- Have your child’s age and skill level ready – it’ll help you choose the right class.
Let’s make a splash this summer!
Monsoon Season Inbound!
 When it rains, stormwater flows directly into our rivers, washes, and retention areas without any treatment. Guess what it carries along - chemicals, trash, and pet waste, which can harm our water. Unlike the water from our kitchens or toilets, stormwater isn't treated. This makes it important for us to take steps each day to prevent stormwater pollution like putting litter in the trash, and always picking up your pet’s poo.
Always remember: “Only Rain in the Storm Drain!”
Learn more: phoenix.gov/stormwater
City Launches Community Survey
 The City of Phoenix is ready to launch the community survey. This survey asks questions on a wide range of topics around life in our community, from what residents think is working, to where they see a need for improvement, providing feedback that is used to calculate ongoing satisfaction scores. The survey is one more way to gather information from residents in our effort to more holistically understand neighborhood issues and enhance our responsiveness to community priorities.
The survey takes less than five minutes to complete and is available in both English and Spanish. The survey system sets response targets based on Census data to ensure community representation. Survey responses will be anonymous.
The survey is served up to residents on various websites and social media platforms. Residents can also respond to the survey directly with this link.
We’ve also created a survey landing page on Phoenix.gov to answer questions, including the security and privacy of the survey.
News From Deer Valley Unified School District
Back Soon with More Exciting News!
News From Washington Elementary School District
The WESD is Hiring!
 The WESD is hiring for the 2025-2026 school year! Please join us for our Job Fair on Monday, July 14, from 8:30 to 11 a.m. at the WESD Administrative Center, located at 4650 W. Sweetwater Ave. We currently have a wide range of job openings in our KidSpace, Nutrition Services and Transportation Departments, as well as, a variety of available teaching positions!
Our District offers competitive teacher salaries of $53,000-$84,950 with performance pay, student loan forgiveness, school-age child care discounts, medical, dental and vision benefits, and employer-matched contributions to Arizona State Retirement. The WESD also provides the most support for teachers including instructional coaches on every campus, weekly Professional Learning Communities (PLC), regular professional development and social workers on each campus.
For questions, please call 602-347-2622. To view our job vacancies and apply online, please visit jobs.wesdschools.org/. We look forward to meeting you at our job fair!
Fresh Fruits and Veggies Awarded to 10 WESD Schools
 We are excited to share some "fresh" news! Ten WESD schools have been selected to participate in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) for the 2025-2026 school year! The goals of the FFVP are to encourage healthier school environments by promoting nutrition education, increase overall acceptance and consumption of fresh, unprocessed produce among children, and make a difference in children’s diets to positively impact their present and future health.
Congratulations to: Acacia Elementary, Desert View Elementary, Ironwood Elementary, Lakeview Elementary, Moon Mountain Elementary, Roadrunner Elementary, Sahuaro Elementary, Shaw Butte Elementary, Sunburst Elementary and Sunnyslope School. Thanks to the FFVP, the WESD Nutrition Services Department will be able to serve students at these schools with free fruits and vegetables in addition to nutritious breakfast and lunch meals all school year!
WESD Extends Summer Meals
 The WESD is proud to share that free summer meals will be extended through July! From June 20 to July 25, free breakfast and lunch meals for all children and teenagers up to 18 years old will be available Monday through Friday at seven different locations. Due to Independence Day, meals will not be served on Friday, July 4. No application or registration is needed. All meals must be consumed on-site. Adult meals will also be offered at a cost.
Please see the images for specific dates and times for each location. For more information, please contact the WESD Nutrition Services Department at 602-896-5235.
WESD Enrolling Kindergarten Students for 25-26 School Year
 The WESD is now enrolling kindergartners for the 2025-2026 school year! Available at 27 locations, our free, full-day kindergarten program offers a developmentally appropriate and research-based curriculum that addresses reading, writing and math in a caring and welcoming environment with kind and patient teachers! In the WESD, kindergarten also fosters a joy of learning through engaging activities and instills creativity and social skills in each child. All locations offer free breakfast and lunch, as well!
Children turning five before September 1, 2025, are eligible to enroll. Please share this information with your family, friends and neighbors who have a soon-to-be kindergartner! Beat the rush and simply enroll online by visiting www.wesdschools.org/kindergarten. We look forward to meeting the future class of 2038!
News From Glendale Union High School District
GUHSD Wishes Everyone a Great Summer!
Interested in serving on Phoenix's Boards and Commissions?
 District 1 is seeking community leaders interested in serving as the District's representative for various boards and commissions, such as the Village Planning Committee.
To start the application process, please visit the Boards and Commissions webpage.
Upcoming City Council Meetings
- Next City Council Policy Meeting: June 24th
- Next City Council Formal Meeting: July 2nd
Vice Mayor O'Brien has been appointed chairperson of the Economic Development & Housing Subcommittee, and is also a member of the Public Safety & Justice Subcommittee. Visit the Council Subcommittee webpage for the schedule of public meetings.
Learn more about Vice Mayor O'Brien, her priorities and focus for District 1 on the district's webpage.
Connect with us!
   
phoenix.gov/district1
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