DOJ Investigation Update
Final DOJ Update
Mark Your Calendars: Community Meeting
Our next meeting will be Monday evening, March 25th, at the Barrio Brewery at the Deer Valley Airport located at 702 W Deer Valley Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85027. Plan for check in to begin at 5:30pm and the meeting to start at 6pm.
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
Community Cleanup Event!
 Join us for a community cleanup event on Saturday, March 23rd, from 8:00 am to 10:00 am at 2806 W Cactus Road. Please meet in the parking lot between CMS and QT. Snacks and drinks will be provided for all volunteers. For more information, you may contact Site Director, Jessika Miller at jessika.miller@cmsgiveshope.com or 480-486-7583.
Volunteers Needed for City of Phoenix Park Steward Program
 The City of Phoenix Park Steward Program is looking for volunteers to help maintain, clean, and preserve our trails. Help make a difference in your community! Visit volunteer.phoenix.gov to apply or reach out to 602-495-5458 for more information on how to get involved!
Black Mountain Precinct Coffee with a Cop
 Meet precinct Commander Matthew Siekmann along with officers who serve your Black Mountain Precinct at this upcoming event. The event will be held at Barrio Brewing Co. located at 702 W Deer Valley Rd. on Thursday, March 28th at 8:30 am.
A reminder that there will be no Coffee with a Cop events in the months of June, July, August and December.
Celebrate Wallace and Ladmo Day with Phoenix Parks and Recreation
 Celebrate 70 years of laughter! The Wallace and Ladmo celebration will be held at Ladmo Park (3101 N 41st Drive, Phoenix, AZ, 85019) on Saturday, April 6th from 11:00am to 2:00pm. Some highlights of the event include a meet and greet with special guests, memorabilia displays, video vault, free ladmo bags, and more!
Fish-tastic Saturday at Cortez Park
 Join Phoeix Parks and Recreation for a free FISH-tastic Saturday event held at Cortez Park (3434 W Dunlap Ave, Phoenix, AZ, 85051) on Saturday April 20th from 10:00am to 2:00pm. Learn the basics with game and fish! The event will feature fishing demos, entertainment, food trucks, inflatables, and community resources.
Non-Residential Grass Removal Program
 The Phoenix Water Services Department is launching new financial incentives to help non-residential customers conserve water and save money by removing non-functional grass and converting to desert landscaping.
Non-residential customers can begin the application process by visiting the Non-Residential Grass Removal Program webpage.
Key Highlights of the Incentive Program:
• Non-residential customers can receive $2 per square foot of grass removed, up to a project total of $250,000 per site, by converting to low water use, desert-adapted landscapes.
• A minimum of 1,000 square feet of grass must be removed to qualify for the incentive.
• The removed grass area must be replaced with a minimum of 50% live plant coverage at maturity per City of Phoenix Planning & Development (PDD) requirements.
• The final irrigation system must be drip-automatic.
• Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis while funding lasts.
• Qualified applicants will receive their incentive in the form of a check, mailed to the address on file for their City Services Bill. Please allow up to 60 days to receive the check.
• The City will roll out the next phase of this financial incentive for residential customers as early as January 2025.
Phoenix Newsroom article: Phoenix Announces Non-Residential Financial Incentives to Remove Non-Functional Grass
Celebrate the Year of the Dragon with Phoenix Sister Cities
 Join Phoenix Sister Cities for events in March to celebrate the Lunar New Year and our relationships with Chengdu, Himeji, Taipei and Suwon.
The Chengdu, Himeji, and Taipei City Committees host a virtual Tea Journey Across Asia 2 to 4 pm on March 23, 2024. Learn about the history of tea in each city, discover the secrets to brewing and tasting tea, how it is served, common customs and more. Tea will be shipped to participants in advance. Tickets are $8/members; $10/non-members.
Registration and tickets for the Tea Journey are available at phoenixsistercities.org.
Community Safety Fair GAIN Event
 Please join your Cactus Park Precinct Officers in the Community Safety Fair Gain Event hosted by your Community Block Watch leaders at Cactus Park, 3801 W Cactus Road on Saturday, April 20th from 10am-2pm. The event will feature the SWAT Team, BOMB Squad, Police K9s, Police Swag, food, beverages, and more! Please contact Stan Bates for questions or donations (623)-937-3296, azdbacks22@aol.com
Community Canopy Grant Program
 The City of Phoenix is offering grants for individuals and neighborhoods to apply for trees for their homes. Visit phoenix.gov/heat 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.
 Community-wide budget hearings will be held April 2nd at 6 pm, located at the City Council Chambers. These hearings will be held both in-person and virtually.
District 1’s in-person budget hearing will be on April 5th at 8 am. The hearing will be held at the Doubletree in North Phoenix. These hearings are a great opportunity to discuss issues that matter to you and share your thoughts and ideas. I look forward to seeing you all there.
For more information, visit: phoenix.gov/budget
Fiesta on Central Avenue!
 Showcase your business to hundreds of community members at our Fiesta on Central Avenue on Saturday, April 20! The family-friendly event takes place from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. and will feature live entertainment, kids’ activities, food, fun, face-painting, bouncy house, mariachi, raffles and much, much more. FREE booths are available to businesses along the South Central Extension and the Downtown Hub corridor. Space is limited, so sign up here [t.e2ma.net] for your FREE booth today!
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
DVUSD Governing Board Approves Bond & Override Measures for November Ballot
 At the March 19 Governing Board meeting the Deer Valley Unified School District Governing Board voted unanimously to call for the M&O Override to appear on ballots in November and also approved the recommended Bond election be placed on the November 5, 2024 ballot.
These measures, if passed, would be a continuation of what has been in place since 1991 and would not increase taxes to a DVUSD taxpayer.
The M&O Override, if passed, is recommended to fund :
- Renew the 15% M&O Override and bond renewal in order to remain competitive in per pupil funding
- Continue to pay a portion (approximately 8.5%) of all M&O Salaries
- Maximum Class Size to remain unchanged (would otherwise increase +3)
- Continue Full-Day Kindergarten and other specialized programs for students
- Continue to support extracurricular activities for students
- Continue to provide Counselors and Support Services staff
- Continue to provide a portion (10%) of school and department budgets
The bond authorization measure is in the amount of $325 million. The new bond funding, if passed, will provide for the following District needs:
Student Growth
- New elementary school
- New high school (1st phase)
Instructional-Related Needs
- Building Renovations for Innovation
- Technology
- New Devices (1:1 Initiative)
- Replacement Plan
- Network Infrastructure
- Peripherals
- K-6 Library Modernizations
Furniture, Fixture and Equipment
- Replacement FFE (including extracurricular and co-curricular)
- New school needs
Transportation
- Bus replacements
- “White Fleet” additions and replacements
Facility Building Renewal
- Scheduled replacements/upgrades
- Safety & Security
- Conservation
- Extracurricular improvements
For more information on both elections, visit dvusd.org/election or click the link below.
Registration for DVUSD Prekindergarten & Summer Camps Now Open!
 Registration for DVUSD's Community Education Summer Break Camp is NOW OPEN! The camp is scheduled for May 28-July 19. See the flyer for details. Register at: HTTPS://DEERVALLEY.CE.ELEYO.COM
Register NOW for DVUSD's Preschool & Kindergarten Classes!
 Register NOW for DVUSD's Preschool & Prekindergarten classes! Spots fill up quickly, with some campuses already on a waitlist. See the flyer for details. Register at: HTTPS://DEERVALLEY.CE.ELEYO.COM
News From Washington Elementary School District
WESD Will Help You Become a Teacher!
 Are you interested in becoming a teacher and have a bachelor’s degree in an area other than education? If so, the WESD has the perfect program for you! Join us for our BRIDGE Meeting on Tuesday, March 26, from 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. in the Governing Board Room at the WESD Administrative Center. 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! To RSVP, please call 602-347-2622 or email Teach@wesdschools.org
Teachers Receive Surprise Donation of Classroom Supplies
 Teachers at Sunburst, Sunset and Tumbleweed Elementary Schools were recently surprised with classroom materials as part of Suntec Concrete’s Education Appreciation program! Congratulations to Ms. Seale, Sunburst; Ms. Alvarez, Sunset; and Ms. Mateo and Mr. Zaragoza, Tumbleweed. They were each nominated by Suntec employees, who are also parents of students who attend our schools. A big thank you to Suntec for their generous donations and supporting our teachers within the Washington Elementary School District!
WESD Offers Summer "Jumpstart" Program for Incoming Kindergartners
 Attention parents and guardians of incoming kindergartners! Help your child gain the tools they need to be successful by registering them for Jumpstart, our free, four-week, half-day kindergarten readiness program. 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 also included! Registration for Jumpstart classes will open on Monday, March 25.
To participate in the program, children must be registered for kindergarten for the 2024-2025 school year. Registration can be completed online at https://www.wesdschools.org/kindergarten or in-person at the WESD Welcome and Registration Center, located at 3200 W. Cholla Ave. For more information regarding the Jumpstart program, please call 602-347-2641 or email WESDKinderJumpstart@wesdschools.org.
WESD Accepting Tax Credits
 Give back and get back when you make a tax credit donation to your local WESD school! This year, tax credits can help fund items such as risers, scoreboards, soccer goals, marquees, playground equipment, 3-D printers, library books, classroom furniture and more! Tax credits also help fund extracurricular activities. The best part is that you will receive a dollar-for-dollar reduction on your state income taxes. www.wesdschools.org/taxcredit to make an online donation today.
News From Glendale Union High School District
Need a Job? GUHSD is Hiring!
 Have you thought about making an impact at your neighborhood high school?
GUHSD has many exciting full-time and part-time jobs, below are some examples of jobs available. To find more available opportunities visit our website or call 623-435-6010 for more information. GUHSD offers excellent benefits, including medical coverage, life insurance, and retirement contributions.
CAFETERIA ASSISTANT
As a Cafeteria Assistant, the primary responsibilities are to prepare all food needed for cafeteria service, set up and operate serving lines, and ensure students receive nutritious meals before and during the school day. This position is part time and available at several GUHSD campuses.
INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT
GUHSD has several Instructional Assistant positions, including an English Learner Instructional Assistant, a Title I Instructional Assistant, and Special Education Instructional Assistants. All Instructional Assistants are full-time employees. They are responsible for assisting teachers in preparing materials, teaching aids, and equipment for direct instructional activities.
PARKING LOT ATTENDANT
Part-time Parking Lot Attendant positions are available at a couple of GUHSD campuses including Moon Valley. Parking Lot Attendants are responsible for gate monitoring, conducting vehicle checks, and verifying parking permits while driving a golf cart on campus.
Community Calendar
March 23rd
- Community Cleanup Event, 8:00am to 10:00am at 2806 W Cactus Road
March 25th
- D1 Community Meeting, 6pm at Barrio Brewing at Deer Valley Airport
March 28th
- Thursday, March 28th at 8:30 am. at Barrio Brewing Co. located at 702 W Deer Valley Rd. on
April 3rd
- PSJ Meeting, 10am
- Formal Council Meeting, 2:30pm
April 5th
- D1 Budget Hearing at DoubleTree in North Phoenix, 8am - 10am
April 6th
- Community-Wide Budget Hearing, 6:00 pm at City Council Chambers
- Wallace and Ladmo Day, 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at Ladmo Park (3101 N 41st Drive, Phoenix)
April 20th
- Fish-tastic Saturday, 10:00am to 2:00pm at Cortez Park (3434 W Dunlap Ave, Phoenix)
- Drive Electric Event, 8:00am to 12:00pm, at North Phoenix Baptist Church (5757 N Central Ave, Phoenix)
- Community Safety GAIN Event, 10:00am to 2:00pm at Cactus Park (3801 W Cactus Road)
- Fiesta on Central Avenue from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
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: April 9th
- Next City Council Formal Meeting: April 3rd
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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Last Friday was the Phoenix Fire Department’s Annual Salute to Excellence Awards Ceremony. This ceremony was an opportunity to recognize the incredible acts, we know about, of heroism that our Phoenix Firefighters perform in the line of duty. These acts of service do not go unnoticed, and their continued sacrifice and acts of bravery keep our city safe. I want to congratulate former Assistant Chief Shelly Jamison on receiving the lifetime achievement award. Thank you for your lifetime of sacrifice to the City of Phoenix and its residents. Congratulations to everyone who received an award!
Saturday was full of events…I spent the early morning hours interviewing with Fox 10 Phoenix about Keep Phoenix Beautiful’s ‘I Recycle’ event that was held at Happy Valley Towne Center. During this event folks were able to drop off documents to be shredded, get rid of old electronics and donate a variety of items such as food, clothes, supplies, and books. During the afternoon, I headed downtown to join the 2024 Parade Grand Marshal, Irish Minister of State Thomas Byrne, and Consul General of Ireland Marcella Smyth for the 41st Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Faire. Later that day, I headed over to the ASU West Campus where I joined Phoenix Sister Cities and the Taipei Committee for their 2nd Annual Mahjong Mash event. I must have been feeling lucky that day, because I won my first game! It was great to see all of the folks who came out to learn the classic game that has been played across the world for generations.
Early Sunday morning was the Phoenix Police Foundation’s 4th Annual Honor Run/Walk and the first in person kickoff event held in District 1. The turnout was incredible, and it was touching to see how many community members came out to support such a great cause. The Honor Run/Walk honors all Phoenix Police Officers killed in the line of duty. These officers have given the ultimate sacrifice for the safety of our community. As part of this year’s Run/Walk, my office created two routes, a 1.5 mile walk that took people past Commander Greg Carnicle’s marker and a 5k that included Commander Carnicle’s marker and Officer Rusty Hawkins’ memorial marker as well. My plan is to move the kickoff event to different locations around the City every year so we can ensure all our officers are honored and memorialized. Thank you to everyone who came out to support and everyone who had a part in making this event a success.
On Thursday morning, we honored the City of Phoenix employees who passed away last year. Over the course of the City’s history, 97 dedicated employees lost their lives while serving our community. The employee memorial was built in 1994 and is located directly in front of City Hall. On Thursday, we added three names to the employee memorial wall in the City’s amphitheater and laid a number of wreaths in memoriam. I want to say thank you to all of the families and employees who joined us to help us celebrate the lives of our employees.
Late Thursday afternoon, I attended the ribbon cutting for the unveiling of the new Phoenix Police Cactus Park Real Time Operation Center. I have always been a strong support of ensuring our officers have the most current technology to protect our neighborhoods and keep our officers safe. That’s why I fought for our Department to have drones – which have proven to be an invaluable tool in assisting with crime scene investigations, barricade situations, and keeping our officers safe. And I was proud to support the Council item two years ago that led to the official opening of the Real Time Operations Center. Some of the highlights of this new center include gunshot detection technology, license plate readers, and a network of cameras all with the intention to make our city safer. Already, the men and women of the Cactus Park Precinct have been able to recover 17 stolen cars thanks to this technology. When I toured a Real Time facility in Glendale back when I first was elected and learned of the murder of a young girl in the middle of the night with no witnesses that the detectives were able to solve thanks to their Real Time Operation Center, I knew we needed to bring this to Phoenix. And, we did!
The City of Phoenix Office of Sustainability is celebrating Earth Day by hosting a free ride and drive electric vehicle event on April 20 from 8 a.m.-noon at North Phoenix Baptist Church, 5757 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85012. Vehicle owners will bring their electric vehicles for attendees to sit in, ride in, or even drive! A variety of vehicle makes will be available including Lucid, Tesla, Rivian, Kia and more! Register: Phoenix.gov/Sustainability.