Message from Councilwoman Ann O'Brien
 Happy Friday, everyone! On Tuesday, I attended Mayor Gallego’s State of the City address. She highlighted several things we have done well over the past year and provided a sneak peek of things to come. She touched on a new international terminal to be constructed at Sky Harbor; the success of the Community Court since its inception in January; the new shelter beds we’ve opened while also making a call to other mayors across the Valley to do their share; as well as a new and exciting push towards the future with the world’s first ever Amazon drone deliveries to start in Southwest Phoenix. Today, I wanted to share with you the State of the District and the progress we've made in achieving our shared goals and priorities.
 In response to one of our community's most pressing issues, 10 months ago, my office published a comprehensive plan to tackle homelessness. This plan addresses the root causes of homelessness by fostering partnerships with community and government agencies while also developing housing options for those seeking to exit the streets. With additional focuses on workforce development and mental and behavioral health, the plan aims not only to get people off the streets but also to keep our communities safe and prosperous. It is a multifaceted approach that recognizes the complexity of the issue and aims to create sustainable solutions for the long term. In just 10 months, I’m proud to say we have over 50% completed or in progress of the different proposals in the plan. If you want to give it a read, you can check it out by clicking here.
 As described above, I've taken concrete steps to implement innovative strategies to address homelessness in our community. As a crucial component of this effort, I spearheaded the creation of the Community Court, which offers long-term support to individuals experiencing homelessness. This court operates as a pre-adjudication system, where participating individuals can choose for themselves – services or consequences. It's about offering individuals a path toward rehabilitation and support rather than punitive measures. Already, we're seeing the positive impact of this initiative, with the first graduates already exiting homelessness, marking a significant milestone in our journey toward addressing this issue.
 Expanding upon my dedication to enhancing community safety, I've been at the forefront of initiatives to bolster security measures in parks and hotspot areas across our District and City. I have implemented various strategies to address safety issues in response to residents' concerns. For instance, I advocated for private security in some of Phoenix's most vulnerable parks and took decisive action at Cortez Park, where we introduced fencing, security cameras, and 24-hour security to ensure residents can safely enjoy the park. I also championed lighting and security upgrades at parks with similar security concerns, working closely with law enforcement, the Office of Homeless Solutions, the Neighborhood Services Department, and park rangers to maintain security, cleanliness, and proper park use. To further improve safety, I collaborated with the Federal government and the District 4 Office to advocate for the prohibition of camping on canals, which went into effect in 2022.
 Speaking of safety, I also introduced and created the Senior Lockbox program. This initiative ensures that emergency responders can access homes swiftly and safely without causing damage. Through a partnership with the Phoenix REALTORS, we've distributed lockboxes to seniors and adults with special needs in our community. These lockboxes contain keys that grant first responders access to the home in case of an emergency, eliminating the need to break down doors. Additionally, these homeowners' vital medical information is stored in Fire's computer system, enabling responders to provide more efficient and effective care. We all know in emergencies, every second counts, and this program streamlines response times while ensuring the well-being of our residents. If you’re interested in signing up to get a lockbox attached to your home, you can click here.
 During my time in office, we've experienced remarkable economic growth and investment in our District. One standout achievement is TSMC's significant investment, which has skyrocketed from $20 billion to an impressive $65 billion. This expansion includes plans for a third fab, adding to the two already in construction. This colossal investment marks our country's largest foreign direct investment. With over 6,000 direct high-tech, high-wage jobs projected to be created, this investment enriches our local workforce and solidifies our position as a hub for technological innovation and economic growth. Adding to the significance, Fab 3 will produce the world’s smallest semiconductor at 2 nanometers, positioning Phoenix as the only place in the world producing these chips. Moreover, this new investment is forecasted to create 20,000 construction jobs and tens of thousands of indirect supplier and consumer positions, showcasing the wide-reaching impact of this investment on our community and beyond. With our District at the forefront of semiconductor innovation and economic development, we are on track to lead the charge in shaping the future of technology on a global scale.
 On the note of investment and economic development, 11 months ago, more than 10,000 residents came together to say goodbye to Metrocenter Mall – which marked the start of an exciting new phase for our district and the beginning of a $1 billion investment in the area. This multi-use development is a game-changer for us. The aim is to transform the mall into a more pedestrian-friendly place with new shops, restaurants, and housing options. The goal is not just to improve the esthetics but to create new opportunities for everyone in the region. This project will revitalize the Metrocenter region, making it a better place to live, work, and play. With plans for 2,600 new housing units and over 150,000 square feet of commercial space, there's a lot to look forward to. Already, we've opened the new lightrail station at Metrocenter, connecting District 1 to Downtown Phoenix, Tempe, and Mesa!
 Investments aren't just being made at the southern and northern tips of our district, they're also being made at and around the Deer Valley Airport. This year, we finished updating the land use plan for the 200 remaining undeveloped acres at the Deer Valley Airport. Already, we've seen new corporate hangars - big enough to house a 737 - constructed and more under construction! We've opened up a new restaurant in the terminal building, Barrio Brewing, and are working to attract more breweries, distilleries, and wineries to the surrounding warehouses to create an entertainment district for our residents in the north! A new community group, Friends of Deer Valley, recently started to help advocate for more development and positive change to the area!
In the world of constituent services, my office has effectively resolved over 2,000 cases by addressing an average of 150 monthly inquiries, including phone calls, emails, and letters. Whether it's tackling a pesky pothole or dealing with graffiti in your neighborhood park, we are here to lend a hand and find solutions. Your input and engagement are vital in keeping our community thriving, so please don't hesitate to reach out with any concerns or issues.
As we conclude, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for entrusting me with the opportunity to serve as your Councilwoman. Your support, feedback, and engagement have been invaluable as we've worked together to address the needs and priorities of our District. I am deeply committed to continuing this journey with you, advocating for our community, and striving to make a positive difference in the lives of all who call our District their home. Thank you for your continued partnership, and I look forward to the progress and accomplishments that lie ahead.
Have a safe weekend!
Ann O'Brien
Councilwoman for District 1
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DOJ Investigation Update
Final DOJ Update
Mark Your Calendars: Community Meeting
Our next meeting will be Monday, May 20th, at the Beuf Community Center located at 3435 W Pinnacle Peak Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85027. Plan for check in to begin at 5:30pm and the meeting to start at 6:00pm.
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
Historic Preservation Month Trivia Night
 In honor of National Historic Preservation Month, the City of Phoenix Historic Preservation Office is hosting a Phoenix History Trivia Night on Thursday, May 2nd to be held at Memorial Hall at Steele Indian School Park. Doors open to the public at 6:00pm with opening remarks by Mayor Gallego. Trivia teams of 3-4 persons are encouraged but folks can also come to enjoy the festivities. You don’t have to be an expert on Phoenix history to join in the fun. Please RSVP with the total number of attendants to historic@phoenix.gov.
Phoenix Awarded $1.2 Million for Phoenix Light Rail
The City of Phoenix was awarded a Transit Oriented Development (TOD) grant of $1,200,000 from the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration to help with efforts to improve access to public transit and create a transit oriented walkable, livable, and sustainable community.
 Accessible public transit is critical to the economic health and growth of our City’s communities. After the completion of the South Central Downtown Hub light rail extension, scheduled for 2025, the existing light rail line - the Phoenix Light Rail Main Line - will become a multi-line system with the downtown Phoenix area serving as the center for system transfers. The FTA awards this TOD grant for Phoenix’s Light Rail Main Line that includes the Reinvent PHX, 19North, downtown Phoenix and the 50th Street station areas.
The TOD funds will be utilized with the following primary goals in mind:
- Evaluate current and projected growth and development.
- Assess affordable housing and development opportunities with emphasis on city-owned, vacant, and large development sites.
- Make recommendations to streamline permitting for rental housing and other community visions.
- Educate and engage community stakeholders on various transit-oriented development growth opportunities.
This is the 5th TOD grant awarded to Phoenix under the Transit Oriented Development Planning Program. For more information about grants, call 602-262-1833 or visit the Phoenix Government Relations Office website.
Community Canopy Grant Program
 The City of Phoenix is offering grants for individuals and neighborhoods to apply for trees for their homes. Visit here to apply and find more information. Please contact Kayla Killoren at kayla.killoren@phoenix.gov or 602-534-1203 with any questions regarding this program.
International Tour of Taiwan Gourmet Cuisines
 The Formosan Association for Public Affairs (FAPA) Arizona Chapter co-hosts this event with the Taiwanese Association of Arizona and Overseas Community Affairs. Authentic Taiwanese food will be served. Additionally, there will be an opportunity to exchange ideas with members of several non-profit, Taiwanese-related organizations in the Phoenix area, including members from the FAPA Arizona Chapter. This event provides opportunities to promote cultural exchanges between Taiwanese and Americans and integrate Taiwanese in Arizona into the local community.
When: 12 PM-2:30 PM, 5/3/2024
Where: 3519 E Keresan Dr., Phoenix, AZ 85044
Crime Update
The officers of the Cactus Park Precinct actively work to address criminal activity in our community and we like to highlight a small fraction of this work with you, our community and business leaders. Regularly, the showcased examples start from a call for service from an engaged community member like you.
In an Emergency or to report suspicious activity 911 | To report a crime or non-emergency 602-262-6151 option #4 | Silent Witness 480-WITNESS
Here’s the latest update from Cactus Park Precinct:
In September 2014, a homicide occurred in the area of 9800 North 9th Avenue where the victim was shot and killed. The suspect of this crime was identified; however, he evaded capture for a decade by fleeing the country. On April 16, 2024, a decade after this homicide, Cactus Park Precinct patrol team members were conducting proactive trespassing enforcement in the area of 28th Drive/Larkspur Avenue when they encountered several violators. Immediately the savvy patrol officers recognized one of these individuals was behaving irregularly by exhibiting signs of nervousness and slow response to their instruction. Once detained, officers confirmed the subject’s identity and arrested him for his ten-year-old homicide warrant. We appreciate the proactive enforcement focus, experience, and commitment to community safety which ultimately led to the apprehension of this violent criminal.
On April 18, 2024, Metro Center area security was attempting to remove a trespasser from a hotel property when they were pepper sprayed in the face by the suspect who immediately fled on foot. While officers were responding to the area, Cactus Park Precinct Real-Time Operations Center specialists, using field technology, located the suspect fleeing the area. This information was relayed to responding officers who reoriented to the suspect's location and safely apprehended him. More great work and collaboration by our Real-Time Operations Center specialists and officers in the field.
If you are looking for additional information or have a complaint regarding traffic violations, please use the link below for contact information.
Police Traffic Safety Numbers
If you have any questions or concerns in your area or are looking for ways to be more involved in your community, please click on the link below and contact your area Community Action Officer.
Police Cactus Park Precinct
Cactus Park Precinct Dinner with a Cop
 Coffee with a Cop is back but with a twist! On Wednesday, May 29th at 5pm your Cactus Park Community Action Officers will be hosting a Dinner with a Cop! We will see you at Jason's Deli located at 10217 N Metro Pkwy West! This is a great opportunity to come out and meet you officers!
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
Sandra Day O'Connor Girl's Beach Volleyball Three-peat State Champions
 After a dominant, perfect 12-0 season, the Sandra Day O’Connor High School Girl’s sand volleyball team swept a talented Queen Creek High School’s team taking the first three games and earning the 6A state championship for the third year in a row. The state’s top-ranked pairs team (16-0) defeated fellow No. 1 seed 21-19, 21-12 to kick off O’Connor’s 3-0 run.
O’Connor’s No. 3’s, Iana Loera and Kinsley Singleton, wrapped up their match with a 21-18, 21-13 victory.
The O’Connor No. 4’s, Natalie Gilbert and Kate Smith, put a bow on the season with O’Connor’s 4’s, their 21-10, 21-19 win.
Boulder Creek High School, Mountain Ridge High School Students Win State Robotics, Engineering Competitions
 Congratulations to the Mountain Ridge High School Robotics team and Boulder Creek High School Engineering team for taking first place in the state at the recent Skills USA competition!
The Robotics competition requires students to design, document, build, and code a robot to complete a challenge that changes every year. Their robot outscored over 30 other teams from across the state of Arizona totaling 904 out 1000 points, which was more than 180 points over the 2nd place team. They will get to represent Arizona in the National SkillsUSA contest in Atlanta this summer!
Boulder Creek High School's Engineering team took first place in the state of Arizona at the Skills USA competition! The team of three students demonstrated their ability to design an innovative engineering project and present those ideas along with a display and live model. During the presentation, students are judged on their performance as a professional team, presentation of their project to a panel of judges from the engineering field, their storyboard presentation model, and the overall effect of the presentation. The team will go on to Atlanta this summer and represent BCHS at Nationals!
Mountain Ridge High School Student Named one of Junior Achievement of Arizona's 18 Under 18
Pravneet Chadha, a junior at Mountain Ridge High School, was recently named to Junior Achievement of Arizona’s 18 under 18 for his mental health research
 During the pandemic, he began to wonder if social media was impacting his own mental health, and that of other teens. He noticed many of his friends were hooked on TikTok as a way to connect and escape the reality of the world. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Chadha began to wonder if social media was taking a toll on the mental health of both himself and his teenage peers. This discovery inspired him to do a research project called “Social Media: Fire or Trash,” to study the effects of social media. He looked at data from 110 participants and found a possible link between increased depression and social media use. He’s currently working with the University of Kansas to formalize his research and publish a manuscript.
This work led him to another study on color blindness using a novel technology and LED metamers at the Arizona State University SCENE Research program. The project earned a prestigious award from the Arizona Science and Engineering Fair. In addition to his research, Pravneet is very involved in various organizations and clubs. He serves as the president of the World Language Club, Secretary of the HOSA Club, and treasurer of the Medical Explorer Club. He also serves as the Youth Ambassador for “Points of Light” and “Giving Tuesday” Spark Chapter leader, engaging youth globally to find their passion in giving back to the community.
He and his brother founded a nonprofit called Project Smile AZ in 2020. They make handmade cards for hospitalized patients and Title I schools and organize donation drives to benefit children with developmental disabilities, veterans, or special projects like the Maui wildfires. He has led summer internships over the last 2 years to inspire youth to be changemakers, follow their talent, and bring smiles to the world. Through Project Smile AZ, he has shared over 90,000 smiles in the last 4 years through handmade cards, hygiene kits, upcycling gently used books, trail clean-ups, clothing drives, snack kits, art kits, inspirational webinars, and in-person events.
Two DVUSD Students Selected as Outstanding Phoenix Youth in Phoenix District 1
Brendan Salisbury , a senior at Barry Goldwater High School and Elena Murrietta, a junior at Sandra Day O'Connor High School were named to the short list of their council district’s Phoenix Outstanding Youth Leader finalists!
The City of Phoenix’s Outstanding Phoenix Youth Leader of the Year program recognizes and honors the outstanding achievements of young people, enhances the perception of youth and raises community awareness of the positive contributions of youth.
Each year, 16 high school students are selected as council district winners and recognized at an event, along with the teacher who inspired them the most. Each of the district winners will receive a cash award. From the district winners, the two overall winners will be announced next Friday, May 3, and each will receive an additional cash award.
News From Washington Elementary School District
Learn About School Finance
 Do you want to learn about school finance? If so, please join us for our next Regional School Finance Presentation next Tuesday, April 30, from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the gymnasium at Palo Verde Middle School, 7502 N. 39th Ave. The presentation is open to all and will cover topics related to K-12 funding in Arizona such as where the money for school budgets comes from, how budget limits are determined, how the WESD spends the money, and how factors in the state affected the WESD.
If you are unable to attend the presentation in person, it will also be livestreamed on YouTube by clicking here.
Register Your Future WESD Kindergartner for Jumpstart
 Registration for our free, four-week, half-day kindergarten readiness program, Jumpstart, is open now! Available at 27 locations in the WESD, the program will be offered this summer from May 28 to June 20. During the program, children will make friends, learn kindergarten routines and practice kindergarten readiness skills. Free breakfast and lunch are included! To participate in the program, children must be registered for kindergarten in a WESD school for the 2024-2025 school year. Please share this opportunity with your family, friends and neighbors with soon-to-be WESD kindergartners. To register for Jumpstart classes today, click here!
Let the WESD Help You Become A Teacher
 If you missed our recent meeting to learn about the BRIDGE program, the WESD has another opportunity coming up! Join us for the final BRIDGE Meeting of the school year on Wednesday, May 15, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. in the Governing Board Room at the Administrative Center! During the meeting, the BRIDGE team and Human Resources representatives will provide information about our free program that can help you earn your teacher certification while working as a full-time teacher! The minimum requirement is a bachelor’s degree in any area other than education. To RSVP, please call 602-347-2622 or email Teach@wesdschools.org.
News From Glendale Union High School District
Save the Dates for GUHAS Graduations
Mark your calendars for Glendale Union High School District graduations! All graduations will be held at the Desert Diamond Arena located at 9400 W. Maryland Avenue in Glendale. To view, all dates and times see the list below. We look forward to celebrating the Class of 2024.
May 20, 2024
Glendale High School - 10:00 AM
Cortez High School - 12:30 PM
Thunderbird High School - 3:00 PM
Moon Valley High School - 5:30 PM
Sunnyslope High School - 8:00 PM
May 21, 2024
Greenway High School - 10:00 AM
Independence High School - 1:00 PM
Washington High School - 4:00 PM
Apollo High School - 7:00 PM
To learn more about GUHSD news, visit @GUHSDAZ on Facebook.
Join GUHSD's Free, Signature Summer Opportunities
 Glendale Union High School District’s signature, free Summer Opportunities are available once again for eighth-grade students and current GUHSD students. GUHSD’s Summer Opportunities include Summer School, Summer Academies, and Summer Camps, which will allow students to expand their skills and knowledge and prepare them for the important next step. Don’t allow your child/teen to miss out on this chance to attend GUHSD summer opportunities!
To learn more GUHSD news, visit our Facebook page @GUHSDAZ.
Cortez High School Students Partner with Home Assist Health
Cortez High School Home Health recently partnered with Home Assist Health to provide internship opportunities to several of Cortez students. Students are being exposed to various roles in a home health agency including Finance, HR, Administrative positions, IT, and more. There are many career paths within the medical field and this internship gives students the opportunity to gain exposure to these jobs as well as meet and work with healthcare professionals.
To learn more about Cortez High School news, visit @CortezHighSchoolAZ on Facebook.
Greenway High School Head Volleyball Coach Receives Recognition
 Greenway High School Math teacher and Head Volleyball coach, Ms. Sarah Peterson has been selected by the AIA Girls’ Equity Committee as the recipient of the 28th Annual Women’s Leadership in Girls’/Women’s Athletic Award. Coach Peterson will be recognized at the AIA Champions Gala on Sunday, May 19th at the Vista Center for the Arts in Surprise.
To learn more about Greenway High School news, visit @GreenwayHighSchoolAZ on Facebook.
Moon Valley High School Caree & Technical Education Students Earn Scholarships
Moon Valley High School had 13 students attend the ACE Showcase for architecture, construction, and engineering. Congratulations to Brittany Vicente Tirado who earned a $5,000 scholarship, Lynn Ong and Karen Rivera Cuevas who earned $500 junior scholarships, and Sophia Gomez who earned a $100 sophomore scholarship.
To learn more about Moon Valley High School news, visit @MoonValleyHighSchoolAZ on Facebook.
Community Calendar
April 26th
- D1 Community Meeting at DoubleTree North Phoenix 8:00 am
- ARPA FUNDED, Food Truck Frenzy, Deer Valley Park, 5:00 – 8:00 pm, Deer Valley Park Neighborhood Association
April 29th
- Cactus Park Precinct Dinner with a Cop, 5:00pm at Jason's Deli (10217 N Metro Pkwy West)
May 2nd
- Phoenix History Trivia Night at Memorial Hall at Steele Indian School Park. RSVP: historic@phoenix.gov
May 3rd
- International Tour of Taiwan Gourmet Cuisines at 3519 E Keresan Dr., Phoenix, AZ 85044 from 12pm to 2:30pm
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: May 7th
- Next City Council Formal Meeting: May 1st
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. 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.
Connect with us!
   
phoenix.gov/district1
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