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October 14, 2021

In this week's issue: 


Message from Councilwoman Ann O'Brien

Like that Johnny Cash song, I've been everywhere man!

This week has been PACKED to say the least! But I'm so grateful to wake up every day and represent the citizens of Phoenix, and especially the residents of District 1.

On Monday, I spoke with a few charities working with our refugee population to house them, educate them on American customs and work to get them employed and self-sufficient. With everything that's going on across the world, many are fleeing from their home countries hoping to seek refuge in the United States. Our Governor has stated that Arizona will be open to resettling the refugees as they come to our shores from the Middle East. I'm glad to know there are programs like Catholic Charities Community Services of Arizona and Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest to help integrate these refugees into our communities.

On Tuesday, I met with our Parks Department to continue discussions regarding the full reopening f our city parks. In our conversations, I'm confident we'll have the proper procedures in place with the proper speakers to testify on the safety measures already in place for fully reopening our parks. I look forward to our kids getting the opportunity to get back outside and participate in regional tournaments here in Phoenix.

We also held our Policy Meeting Tuesday afternoon, where we discussed the Climate Action Plan. I voted NO on that plan not because I don't think the measures weren't good ideas, but because I'm concerned about the cost of it all. In order to pay for these measures, we have to take funds away from the other services the City is already providing. As I mentioned in my statement, when each of these programs comes to the Council for an allocation of funds, I will take each one individually on their own merits and will vote on them accordingly.

Wednesday was a bit of an exciting day! We started the day with the Public Safety and Justice Subcommittee where we heard from Chief Kurtenbach about the severely low number of sworn officers we have patrolling our streets today. To call it eye-opening doesn't do it justice. This should serve as a wake-up call for all the members of our Council that we need to support our public safety responders. We need to work to hire more and work to keep the ones we do have from leaving.

Training Ann.jpgDirectly after the subcommittee, a member of my staff and I spent the day at the Phoenix Regional Police Academy where we learned firsthand what stress our officers are under daily. We participated in live and virtual simulations to understand how quickly a situation can go from seemingly calm to aggressive real quick. I toured the academy, met the cadets and learned about the new compliance tools they'll be piloting shortly. I'm very excited about the future of the Academy and the new paths they're taking to teach the next generation of police officers. I cannot wait to share them in the subcommittee when they become public!

Coffe With A cop Ann.jpgWhich brings me to today! This morning I attended Cactus Park Precinct's Coffee with a Cop and was so excited to be back to in-person events and chatting with residents, as we heard updates from our precinct Commander and CAOs. What we know is that our officers are doing a wonderful job cleaning up our streets and neighborhoods. I even had one constituent come up to say that he hasn't seen the area look that clean in years! I'm very proud of our officers all over the city and want you all to know, I've got your 6!

I believe when making decisions it's important to get the perspective from both sides, and it's equally important to bring all stakeholders to the table to hammer out an agreement everyone can live with. Which is why I met with and toured the Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters today to discuss how we can enforce existing laws to prevent bad actors from wasting government dollars. There, I learned about their apprenticeship programs which cost nothing to the students coming to learn. These programs prepare individuals for a career in the trades and provide them certifications necessary to get a high-paying job in the labor field. I expressed my belief of the importance of bringing these types of opportunities to all students and I look forward to partnering with them on this.

ASU Ann.jpgLastly, today I toured the ASU West Campus located all the way on 51st Avenue and Thunderbird. Many people assume the campus is located in Glendale, but it's located entirely within District 1. I could not ask for a better educational partner in this district than ASU. Fun fact: I actually attended and graduated from the ASU West Campus, so it was great to see just how much had changed and what they're doing to grow it more. I have some big plans for the Thunderbird corridor while I'm in office, and I'm delighted to know ASU is onboard!

Finally, my heart breaks for the family of Maricopa County deputy Juan Miguel Ruiz who was killed this weekend. My condolences also go out to the families of DEA Special Agent Michael Garbo, who was killed after a routine inspection for contraband of a passenger train in Tucson. I’ve also just learned of the passing of Sergeant Michael Rudd of the La Paz County Sheriff’s office who was struck and killed by a driver. Please remember them in your prayers. 

All my best, 

Ann 

Councilwoman, District 1


 

 Mark Your Calendars: Community Meeting

District 1 Community Breakfast (1).pngIf you were unable to attend our last Community Meeting, fear not. We have the October Community Breakfast scheduled for Friday, Oct 29, 2021 at 7:30 am. We will be back at the DoubleTree Hotel in MetroCenter and I look forward to seeing you all again soon!

Click here to RSVP!

 

 

 

 


COVID-19 Free Testing & Vaccine in District 1

COVID-19 Testing & Vaccinations

As many of us begin the trek back to the workplace, some companies may require employees to get tested for COVID-19 before coming back. 

On Wednesday, Oct. 20, from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., the mobile testing van, managed by Premiere - Hot Spot, will be at Cholla Library (10050 N Metro Pkwy E, Phoenix, AZ 85051), to offer free antigen (viral test) and antibodies tests to individuals. Walk-ups are welcome. No out-of-pocket cost for anyone.


News From the City of Phoenix

Paint Phoenix Purple

Paint Phoenix Purple Logo-Color.pngOctober is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The city of Phoenix’s domestic violence awareness campaign, Paint Phoenix Purple, has made significant strides since launching in 2013 by educating and providing resources to thousands of people. Show your support for the 9th annual campaign by wearing purple on Thursday, Oct. 21, sharing #PaintPHXPurple on your social media and displaying purple all month long.

Councilwoman O’Brien knows firsthand the importance of increasing domestic violence awareness. She recently volunteered her time to create a PSA in hopes of reaching individuals who need help.

Watch the Video

If you or someone you know needs victim services, call the Family Advocacy Center at 602-534-2120 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800- 799-7233. Visit PaintPhoenixPurple.org or Phoenix.gov/DomesticViolence

 

Head Start Applications

Head Start.pngThe city of Phoenix Head Start program is still accepting applications for enrollment in all programs this fall. The free programs offer comprehensive early childhood development and family support services to income-eligible families. Our programs are currently offering online and in-person services. Availability depends on the area. Apply now and for more information, call 602-262-4040.

For more information and to apply click here!

 

 

 

Drive-thru Phoenix Food Day

Phoenix Food Day.jpgDon’t miss this year’s Phoenix Food Day & Healthfest events. This year’s drive-thru and virtual events will include free food boxes and goodie bags filled with prizes, kids activities, health and wellness vouchers, and much more. Cooking and gardening demos online too! Drive-thru events:

 

  • Oct. 23: V.H. Lassen Elementary, 909 W. Vineyard Rd.
  • Nov. 6: Cartwright Community Garden, 4208 N. 51 Ave.

For times and other details click here!

 

Cactus Park Coffee With A Cop:

Please join the Cactus Park Precinct at their upcoming 'Coffee with a Cop' at Jason's Deli located at 10217 N Metro Pkwy W on November 10th, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. This is a great opportunity to meet Commander Wickers and your Community Action Officers from the Cactus Park Precinct.

We look forward to seeing each of you there!

 

Black Mountain Coffee With A Cop:

Please join the Black Mountain Precinct at our upcoming 'Coffee with a Cop' at Biscuits Café located at 310 E Bell Rd. on October 28th, 2021, at 8:30 a.m. This is a great opportunity to meet Commander Viner and your Community Action Officers from the Black Mountain Precinct.

 

Harmon Library Costume Drive

CostumeDrive_social.jpgHarmon Library is excited to be hosting its annual Halloween Costume Drive! Harmon Library is collecting new and used costumes for children and teens. Costumes will be given out to the Harmon community. If you or anyone you know would like to donate, please drop off at Harmon Library before Saturday, October 16. Harmon Library is located at 1325 S. 5th Ave. in Phoenix and is open Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m, Tuesdays through Thursdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is closed Sundays.

 
Update from ADOT: Plan for NB I-17 frontage road closure at Thunderbird Road Starting Oct. 17
 

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) advises drivers to plan for the following closure of the northbound Interstate 17 frontage road between Cactus and Thunderbird roads for a dirt hauling operation.

  • The northbound frontage road will be closed from Roveen Avenue to Thunderbird Road from 9 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 17, through November.
  • Detour: Drivers can turn onto Roveen Avenue to 26th Lane, north to Voltaire Avenue, then east to 24th Drive to access Thunderbird Road.

ADOT advises drivers to slow down and use caution around construction personnel and equipment while work is underway.

For information click here!

 
CONSTRUCTION INFORMATION — 67th Avenue and Deer Valley Road
 
Glendale’s Water Service crews and its contractor, Achen-Gardner Construction, are scheduled to work on various water system improvements along 67th Ave intermittently over the next several weeks. These efforts contribute to Glendale’s commitment to ensuring water system reliability, redundancy, and resiliency. The following information is provided related to upcoming work:

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Nov. 8 – 10:  For about 1-2 hours each day or evening, intermittent lane/turn restrictions in the 67th Ave / Deer Valley Rd intersection as crews open and close water valves to move water through the system to accommodate water improvements. No water interruptions are expected; however, you may experience issues with water pressure or cloudy water, which is normal and doesn’t affect water quality. 

This work has been coordinated with emergency responders and access to businesses and residences will be maintained.

Thank you for your patience during this work.

Project Hotline: 602.532.6250
 

News From Deer Valley Unified School District

Free COVID-19 Testing during October

DVUSD C.jpgDuring the month of October, Deer Valley Unified School District will be holding drive-thru COVID-19 testing events every Monday, Tuesday and Friday. Testing will be done at the DVUSD District Office Admin Parking Lot (20402 N 15th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85027) between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Pre-Registration is required and can be done by clicking here.

 

 

 

Save the Date: DVUSD Fall Kindergarten Preview Nights

DVUSD Kinder.jpgSave the date for November 1st through the 4th for the DVUSD Fall Kindergarten Preview Nights! Come see why DVUSD's Kindergarten is an extraordinary place to learn!

For a full list of Deer Valley's preview night dates & times, click here!

Fall 2022 registration for Kindergarten opens on November 1st!

 


News From Glendale Union High School District

Save the Date for Future Freshman Night

Future Freshman Night.pngSave the date for Glendale Union High School District's upcoming, signature event Future Freshman Night, on Thursday, November 18 at 6:30 p.m. During this event, eighth-grade students and their families will discover why GUHSD is the top-performing high school district in the Metro-Phoenix area. Join us to learn about our nationally recognized academics, championship athletics, fine and performing arts courses, resources for college and career opportunities, plus much more! A virtual option will be available. Please visit www.guhsdaz.org for more information about your local school’s Future Freshman Night. 

To learn more about GUHSD, visit @GUHSDAZ on Facebook.

 


 

Interested in serving on Phoenix's Boards and Commissions? 

Boards and Commissions.pngDistrict 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 Policy Meeting: October 26th
  • Next Formal Council Meeting: October 27th

Additionally, Councilwoman O'Brien has been appointed chairperson of the Public Safety and Justice Subcommittee, and is also a member of the Transportation, Infrastructure and Innovation Subcommittee and the Economic Development and Equity Subcommittee. Visit the Council Subcommittee webpage for the schedule of public meetings.  


Learn more about Councilwoman O'Brien, her priorities and focus for District 1 on the district's webpage.


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