✨A Month in Review✨

This month, Councilwoman Stark and the District 3 team attended several neighborhood meetings, supported local events such as the 2025 Phoenix Pride Parade and several G.A.I.N. events in District 3, and collaborated with city departments on key issues, including street maintenance and recent zoning developments. We participated in the Trunk or Treat events hosted by Sunnyslope, Thunderbird Business Alliance, and Bell Road Business Alliance, and continued our efforts to connect with residents across the district.

On Sunday, October 19, Councilwoman Stark and the District 3 team proudly participated in the 2025 Phoenix Pride Parade, celebrating love, acceptance, and the vibrant diversity of our community.

The parade kicked off at 3rd Street & Thomas Road and concluded at 3rd Street & Indian School Road, drawing an enthusiastic crowd of residents, volunteers, and supporters along the route.

The City’s parade lineup featured:

• A convertible lead car sharing Fast Track information
• A decorated float pulled by Parks and Recreation
• A Phoenix Fire Department firetruck
• The Library’s Bookmobile

Thank you to everyone who joined us, whether by marching, volunteering, or cheering from the sidelines. Your energy and support made this celebration truly unforgettable!

We had an incredible time on October 18th, celebrating Getting Arizona Involved in Neighborhoods (G.A.I.N.). There were so many amazing District 3 communities we attended, including Northtown Community, Sunnyslope Collective, Cox Meadows & Shaw Butte, John Jacobs Block Watch, Seven Palms Block Watch, Beacon Creek Block Watch, and Paradise Hills Lookout!

Each stop was filled with warm smiles, community pride, and a shared love for making our neighborhoods stronger and safer. Thank you to all the block watch leaders, volunteers, and residents who make District 3 such a wonderful place to call home. A huge thank you to all City of Phoenix departments, including Neighborhood Services, Phoenix Police, Parks and Recreation, the Office of Heat Response and Mitigation, Fire Department, and so many more for coming together to make this year’s G.A.I.N. celebration such a success!

We joined families and local businesses at the Sunnyslope Community Center, Thunderbird Business Alliance, and Bell Road Business Alliance Trunk or Treat events for evenings filled with candy, costumes, music, and Halloween fun.

Thank you to all the organizers and community members who made these events such a spooktacular success!

We had the honor of celebrating 75 years of Hansen Mortuary serving the Sunnyslope community. In addition to this incredible milestone, Hansen Mortuary was officially added to the City of Phoenix Historic Property Register.

We were thrilled to join the community in honoring this historic moment. From heartfelt stories to fun activities, the celebration was filled with gratitude and community spirit.

A heartfelt thank you to the Hansen Mortuary family and team for being such an integral part of Sunnyslope. We also extend our thanks to everyone who supported the historic designation process by sharing memories and messages of support.

This celebration is just one of many positive things happening in Sunnyslope, and we’re excited for what’s ahead!

Councilwoman Stark’s Office recently partnered with CASS’ Vista Colina Family Shelter to collect non-perishable food and baby items for families in need.

With the end of SNAP benefits on November 1, this effort came at a critical time and the district community 3 stepped up in a big way.

The drop-off event took place on October 31 at 9 a.m. at the Sunnyslope Village Alliance. 

Thank you to everyone who contributed to helping ensure families in our community have the essentials they need!

On Saturday, October 18, Councilwoman Stark joined the community at Mountain View Park for a successful tree planting event. From 9:00 to 10:00 AM, we worked together to plant 200 trees, helping to enhance our urban canopy and create a greener, cooler Phoenix.

A huge thank you to all the volunteers, partners, and city staff who made this event possible. Your efforts are helping to build a more sustainable and beautiful District 3!

✨City of Phoenix: District 3 Updates ✨

Your monthly roundup of news, events, and resources from Councilwoman Stark and the District 3 team.

🍂November D3 Community Meeting 🍂

Join Councilwoman Stark for a Community Meeting on November 6th, 6 p.m. at Joy Bus Diner and connect with staff from the Public Works Department. This is a great opportunity to ask questions, share feedback, and learn more about what's happening in your District.

We're also hosting a community food drive during the event! All donations will go directly to House of Refuge Sunnyslope, supporting local families in need.

We also invite you to save the date for our upcoming holiday party, December 4th, 2025!

More details to come!

SNAP and Food Resources

The City of Phoenix is committed to helping residents connect with food assistance. Starting November 1, 2025, federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients are expected to experience delays or interruptions of benefits.  

The City of Phoenix does not issue nor manage SNAP benefits; however, our programs and community partners may be able to help those facing food insecurity. The Human Services Department launched a webpage to help guide residents who are facing food insecurities due to the temporary suspension of SNAP to local resources. From emergency food boxes to senior center lunches and nutrition education, the City and its partners are working together to support residents at every stage of need. 

The Arizona Department of Economic Security operates the SNAP benefits. They are still accepting and processing applications. Visit des.az.gov to apply for, manage and stay informed on SNAP Benefits. 

Visit the Arizona Food Bank Network to find food distribution options. 

If you’re looking to help Phoenix residents in need, you can find volunteer or donation opportunities at givesmartaz.org

🦃Turkey Drive Challenge! 🦃

District 3 Residents help us make a difference this Thanksgiving! ! 🚨🔔

Councilman Robinson’s office says when it comes to giving back, they take the crown ... but we all know District 3 doesn’t just talk, we deliver.

Let’s show them who really runs this turkey drive and make sure that the winner’s circle has “Team Stark” written all over it! 🦃🏆

This month, we are partnering with Knight Transportation and Phoenix Police Foundation to support St. Mary's Food Bank with turkey donations, or cash. All money will be used to purchase turkeys!

Here’s how you can contribute:

✅Drop off a turkey at the Desert Horizon Precinct

(16030 N 56th St, Scottsdale, AZ

85254) between Nov. 17–24, 8 AM-6 PM

✅Or make a monetary donation using the link below — and be sure to type

“District 3” or “Stark” in the comments section, so your contribution counts toward our team!

https://fundraise.stmarysfoodbank.org/fundraiser/6664972

👮Black Mountain Precinct November Coffee with a Cop 👮

Join Councilwoman Stark, Vice Mayor Ann O’Brien, and officers from the Black Mountain Precinct for Coffee with a Cop on Wednesday, November 20, at 8:30 AM at Biscuits Cafe (310 E Bell Rd).

This is a great opportunity to connect with local law enforcement and city staff in a relaxed, informal setting. Come by for coffee, conversation, and community!

❗New Youth Interactions Policy ❗

CALLING PHOENIX KIDS AND PARENTS! The Phoenix Police Department and the City of Phoenix are seeking input from young people and parents throughout the community on a new “Youth Interactions” policy. A copy of the proposed policy is available at https://public.powerdms.com/PhoenixPD/tree/documents/3200582.

The public input and comment period will last 30 days, beginning on Thursday, October 23, and ending on Saturday, November 22. The public is invited and encouraged to review the policies and submit feedback using the “click here to provide feedback” button at the bottom of the draft policy.

All comments will be reviewed and taken into consideration before the policy is finalized.

✏️ Park Improvements at Christy Cove ✏️

The City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department is pleased to announce upcoming improvements to Christy Cove Park. The project will include:

• Playground enhancements with shade
• LED area lights
• Exercise equipment replacement 
• Chilled drinking fountains, tables, and benches
• Basketball and volleyball court resurfacing 
• Parking lot replacement 
• ADA improvements 
• Landscape and irrigation improvements

Sign up to receive the latest updates by clicking the link below:

https:forms.office.com/g/De6a8Yr8p2

🍁Blessing of the Animals Family Festival 🍁

FREE community event with fun for the whole family, even the fur babies. Come play games, visit vendors, and maybe even find a new best friend. Then join Cross in the Desert United Methodist Church for a time of blessing and praying over our beloved pets.

Questions? Contact Cross in the Desert: (602) 992-1960!

Phoenix Sister Cities 2026 Youth Ambassador Exchange Program Accepting Applications!

Is there a teen in your life that would enjoy representing Phoenix in one of our 11 sister cities?

Phoenix Sister Cities is accepting applications from Phoenix resident high school sophomores and juniors for our 2026 Youth Ambassador Exchange Program. Throughout the Spring, students engage in activities and workshops designed to prepare them for an exciting journey abroad. Then during June, they travel to a sister city where they are home-hosted by a family. In July, our students return to Phoenix to host their international counterparts here. The program fosters international friendships, cultivates leadership skills, and deepens cultural understanding through these life-changing experiences, giving our Youth Ambassadors an opportunity they otherwise may not have had.

In 2025, Annika Gulchak and Ruthie Rolando, both students from Council District 3 studying at Shadow Mountain High School and Sunnyslope High School respectively, represented Phoenix in Taipei, Taiwan and Grenoble, France.

To participate in the Youth Ambassador Exchange Program, students must:

· Be a sophomore or junior in high school (ages 15–17)

· Reside within the city of Phoenix

· Be a U.S. citizen

Scholarships are available to cover program costs, including hosting the international counterpart. Applications are due by 11:59 pm on Friday, December 12, 2025. Program details and a link to the application may be found at https://phoenixsistercities.org/youth-ambassador/ . If you have questions or concerns, please contact Grace Koube by email at grace.koube@phoenix.gov. Se habla Español.

✨November City Council Meetings ✨

The Phoenix City Council will have a Formal Meeting on Wednesday, November 5th at 2:30 p.m. and Wednesday, November 19th at 2:30 p.m. 

Members of the public can attend and speak in-person, by phone, or virtually via Webex. Pre-registration is required to speak on an agenda item or during the Public Comment period. To find the agenda and information on how to register to speak and how to submit an e-comment, visit Phoenix City Council Meetings.

💫 Sunnyslope Campus — Humane Society Pet of the Month! 💫

🏡Hi, my name is Susan, and I weigh 18 LBS!🏡

I'm a gentle girl who has had a very exciting life, but now I'm looking to settle down with my fur-ever family! I'm looking for a loving home just like yours with lots of gentle pets and tasty treats!

I'm currently at the Sunnyslope Campus, and my adoption fee is $99! I can't wait to meet you!!

✨Visit azhumane.org/adopt to learn more!✨

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