DOJ Investigation Update
Final DOJ Update
Mark Your Calendars: Community Meeting
Our next meeting will be Friday, April 26th, at the DoubleTree North Phoenix located at 10220 North Metro Parkway East, Phoenix, AZ 85051. Plan for check in to begin at 7:30 am and the meeting to start at 8:00 am. Our guest this month will be Fire Department Leadership to discuss call times and fireworks.
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
Let's Talk Teal
 The City of Phoenix recognizes April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and we invite you to join us in bringing awareness to sexual violence and show support for survivors.
The Strategic Initiatives Team leads the public education campaign Let’s Talk Teal.
- The City first joined the Nationwide campaign in 2019 and hosts activities and shares resources to encourage the public to have important conversations to prevent sexual violence.
- The color teal was chosen to represent this campaign because it is associated with calm and healing.
- The City of Phoenix partners with the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence and the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative administered by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. As part of the partnership, the City of Phoenix holds monthly workgroup meetings focusing on four key areas:
- Teens and Youth: focusing on prevention and youth issues.
- Education: focusing on building community capacity to appropriately respond to survivors of sexual assault.
- Advocacy: focusing on identifying service gaps and improving service provision for survivors of sexual violence.
- Leadership: focusing on making Phoenix a national model and planning for Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April.
If you or someone you know needs help, the following resources are available:
National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-HOPE (4673)
Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence Helpline: 602-279-2900
City of Phoenix Family Advocacy Center: 602-534-2120
The Strategic Initiatives Team works all year long to bring awareness to important social issues impacting our community such as human trafficking, teen dating violence and HIV.
Tree and Shade Feedback
 The City of Phoenix Office of Heat Response and Mitigation is updating the Tree and Shade Plan and is looking for input from residents on the City’s tree and shade initiatives. Take the community feedback questionnaire to share your thoughts on where trees and shade are needed in Phoenix. The questionnaire is completely anonymous and will take approximately 15 minutes to take. Visit: Phoenix.gov/Heat
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!
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.
SCSO Incentive Program
 The Office of Sustainability is reaching out to schools and school districts across the City with the hope of expanding the Student Council Sustainability Officer (SCSO) Program outside of the Phoenix Union High School District. We have a new Incentive Program from our last year's GRIC grant, that provides small grants up to $2000 to schools:
The Incentive Program is an inclusive opportunity for all Arizona schools to implement a sustainable project on school campuses, funded by the City of Phoenix and hosted through the Student Council Sustainability Officers Program. Participating schools may be eligible for grant funding, serving as an introduction to Sustainability Officers and sustainability plans and/or projects. Funding offered is through grant awards which allow us to expand to schools outside of Phoenix.
Phoenix Hosts Drive Electric Event
 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
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. Please consider bringing your own chairs as the event will feature demonstrations from 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 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.
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 for your FREE booth today!
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:
On March 13, 2024, a burglary smash and grab occurred at a pawn shop in the area of 2600 West Glendale Avenue. While fleeing from the crime scene the suspect dropped his phone which was recovered by responding officers. Investigators authored a search warrant for the phone which led to the identification of the suspect. On April 16, 2024, investigators, working with our Cactus Park Precinct Neighborhood Enforcement Team, located and apprehended the suspect. A search warrant was authored on the suspects apartment which led to the recovery of additional items of evidence. The suspect was booked on multiple charges. This was an incredible example of the seamless teamwork between our investigative details and our precinct Neighborhood Enforcement Team.
On April 17, 2024, the Phoenix Police Traffic Bureau conducted a traffic impact program along Grand Avenue from Camelback Road to McDowell Road. This program was in response to community complaints received by the Traffic Bureau as well as the observations of motor officers who witnessed hazardous driving behaviors in the area. The results of the traffic impact program as follows:
- 33 vehicles stopped
- 29 citations issues
- 4 educational stops
- 3 vehicle tows
Top speed cited: 95-mph in a 45-mph zone.
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
Black Mountain Precinct Coffee with a Cop
 Black Mountain Precinct's Coffee with a Cop will be Thursday, April 25th at 8:30am. It will be hosted at Biscuits Cafe located at 310 E. Bell Road. Be sure to come out and get an opportunity to visit with the men and women of the Black Mountain 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
Spring Career Fair Tomorrow
 Deer Valley Unified School District (DVUSD) is hosting a Job Fair this Saturday April 20 from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the DVUSD District Office (20402 N. 15th Ave., Phoenix, 85027). The district is hiring certified teachers and classified employees with a wide variety of opportunities available to make a difference in the lives of DVUSD students. Across our schools and district departments there is a perfect position for almost everyone! Ready to join the DVUSD team? Check out all the current openings!
Copper Creek Teacher Wins Silver Apple Award from Arizona's Family
 Copper Creek Elementary School's second grade teacher, Mandy Hayes, is an Arizona's Family 2023-24 Silver Apple Award winner! She is one of only eight teachers in the state to be recognized with this honor. She was once a student at Copper Creek and came back to teach at the school she calls her family and her home.
STEAM Family Night at Las Brisas Elementary School
 Las Brisas Elementary School is hosting a STEAM Family Night on Wednesday, April, 24 from 5 p.m to 7 p.m. at Las Brisas Elementary School (5805 W Alameda Rd. Glendale, AZ 85310). The event will include student projects on display, choir and band performances, Hands-on STEAM and Global Studies activities. The Arizona Science Center, Maricopa County, The Phoenix Public Library, LEGO Education, the Southwest Paleontological Society are scheduled to participate in the night with tables and demonstrations as well.
News From Washington Elementary School District
Desert View Principal, Sweetwater Named Finalists of School Connect Awards
 The WESD is proud to share that Desert View Elementary School Principal John Mospan and Sweetwater School were recognized as finalists as part of School Connect's 2024 Champions of Education Awards! Each year, these awards honor those who lead with heart and help build a brighter future for Arizona youth. Mr. Mospan is a finalist for the Catalyst for Education Award, which honors a principal who has sparked collaboration toward a specific change, leading the way as a catalyst that ignites hope and rallies others to champion their school community. Sweetwater, under the leadership of Susie Smith, is a finalist for the Because It Takes A Village Award, which honors a school that has built a diverse network of community partners to support its students, families and community. Mr. Mospan and Sweetwater will be recognized at the Champions of Education Awards Celebration next week where winners will be announced. Congratulations to Mr. Mospan and Sweetwater!
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 are interested in becoming a teacher but have bachelor’s degree in an area other than education, the WESD has the perfect program for you! Join us for our BRIDGE Meeting on Tuesday, April 23, 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.
News From Glendale Union High School District
GUHSD Hosts Communtiy Meetings
 The Glendale Union High School District is actively engaging the community in the decision-making process regarding a potential bond initiative on the November ballot. Through a series of community meetings, the district provided a review of its finances, openly inviting community members to contribute their perspectives on the necessity of proposing a bond election to the Governing Board. These gatherings were an essential platform for all stakeholders, encompassing the communities of the district’s school, to provide their input. The Blue Ribbon Citizens’ Committee, established by the Governing Board, is tasked with assessing the need for a bond, gathering community input, and providing a recommendation to the Board.
If you were unable to attend any of the meetings, it is important to know that it is not too late to share your thoughts. Every voice matters in shaping the future of our students and community. For those who missed the opportunity to participate in person, the presented information is accessible for review at guhsdaz.org under the election tab. Questions and feedback can be emailed to prdept@guhsdaz.org.
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.
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
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
April 25th
- Black Mountain Precinct Coffee with a Cop, 8:30am at Biscuits Cafe (310 E. Bell Rd.)
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)
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 23rd
- 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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Happy Friday, everyone! I hope you are all excited about the upcoming weekend. Did you know last Thursday was National Pet Day? In honor of the occasion, City Hall had a special visitor! I was able to bring in Sammy, my silver lab that we rescued in 2022. We were his fifth home in nine months. However, we are committed to making sure his forever home is with us! It was heartwarming to see how much joy Sammy brought to all the city staff who stopped by to say hello!
regional Fire Dispatch for almost all the cities and towns within the County. We also have a separate police dispatch center that focuses solely on Phoenix Police calls. 
Department’s Family Advocacy Center.