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October 21, 2021

In this week's issue: 


Message from Councilwoman Ann O'Brien

Government oftentimes gets a bad reputation, and honestly, sometimes it's not the quickest and certainly deserves that reputation! But when you call my office, we listen, and we work to find solutions to your problems. 

Many of you are concerned about the quality of life in your neighborhoods and the shift you've seen in the amount of transient and homeless individuals around, especially within the last year. On Friday, I sat down with Community Medical Services (CMS), located on 28th Avenue and Cactus Road, to discuss how we can all be better neighbors. The people coming to Community Medical Services (CMS) are there to seek help and receive treatment. Unfortunately, some of these clients may have attracted other individuals involved in undesirable or sometimes criminal activities. 

In partnership with PHX CARES and Phoenix Police, we will be working with CMS and the QuikTrip located on that corner to develop a more aggressive plan that is both proactive and targeted so that we can work to clean up our neighborhoods and deliver assistance to those who need it. Some of you may have already seen these efforts along the I-17 Corridor and MetroCenter. I want to extend a thank you to our officers, PHX CARES and Neighborhood Services staff, who are working tirelessly to ensure we all live in a safe community.

Early this week, my briefings with the Fire Chiefs Kalkbrenner and Walker gave me a better understanding of their department's current staffing challenges and possible solutions to prevent future staffing shortages. The Chiefs also shared some very good news about fire prevention measures they have recently implemented using updated technology that could decrease the number of devastating commercial property fires you have been hearing in the news. It's a great example of being proactive when it comes to our neighborhoods safety. 

Additionally, I met with two education leaders to discuss the difficulties school district employees are experiencing in finding affordable housing. These are preliminary discussions, but I intend to learn more about this matter and possibly include other partners in the discussion.

20211020_140456.jpgYesterday was a special day for me as it was my birthday! My staff and several city employees and managers were very sweet in helping me celebrate. I didn't just get one, but two cakes! Both were beyond delicious and so worth the calories! My birthday morning was spent in the Transportation, Infrastructure and Planning Subcommittee meeting, where we learned about the Road Safety Action Plan from the Street Transportation Department, as well as the next steps in our micromobility program. The technology and innovation coming out of some of these scooter companies is mind-blowing, and I look forward to the City having access to them soon.

Sinema.jpgToday, I joined my colleagues from Peoria, Scottsdale, Goodyear and other municipalities and participated in a round table discussion with Senator Sinema's staff regarding the Infrastructure and Reconciliation bills being discussed in Congress. I sent my heartfelt thank you to the Senator for not accepting a bloated reconciliation package and for expecting better from our federal government. Some programs proposed are essentially asking states with sound fiscal policies to pay for the mistakes other states have made. Phoenix taxpayers should not be on the hook for bad policies passed in California.

This weekend will be a host of several GAIN events. I look forward to attending some of them and seeing familiar faces within our community. Next week, we'll be in Formal Council meeting to discuss, once again, the importance of fully reopening our parks and allowing out-of-state youth leagues to play in Phoenix. I'll provide you with information on how to register to speak. I hope to hear some of you on Wednesday advocating for our kids and their competitive sports.

As always, you can always reach out to my office if there are any concerns with your neighborhood. We will try to help you and get you into contact with the correct departments as best we can!

All my best, 

Ann 

Councilwoman, District 1


 

 Mark Your Calendars: Community Meeting

District 1 Community Breakfast (1).pngThe next D1 Community Meeting will be a breakfast on 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!

We have invited Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams and Asst. Chief Michael Kurtenbach to give an overview of current Phoenix Police staffing.

Click here to RSVP!

 

 


COVID-19 Free Testing & Vaccine 

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. 

Testing and vaccinations are offered by the city at no out-of-pocket cost. Please check out the Phoenix COVID testing and vaccination page for a list of events scheduled. 


News From the City of Phoenix

Add Some Art to Your Life!

Newsroom_Arts_101.pngThe City of Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture’s new online Public Art Map is up and ready for self-guided tours. It features more than 200 major public art projects created throughout Phoenix by the city’s award-winning Public Art Program. 

Check out the online art map and experience for yourself the amazing sculptures, installations and infrastructures that make Phoenix a diverse art community!

https://www.phoenix.gov/arts/publicartmap

 

Financial Assistance for Phoenix Families: Your FAQs Answered

On Sept. 21, the Phoenix City Council approved the allocation of $12 million for the Financial Assistance for Phoenix Families Pilot Program. This program will be utilizing American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars. 

We have received questions from D1 families regarding this program, particularly about the application process. The city has compiled the frequently asked questions about the pilot program to help residents navigate the process. This link will be updated with new information as it becomes available.

 

Phoenix Road Safety Action Plan

The city of Phoenix is investing in a comprehensive Road Safety Action Plan (RSAP) that will further the city's current safety efforts and provide a framework and key strategies for safety enhancements citywide. The development of the plan is spearheaded by the city’s Street Transportation Department. Click here to view the plan and to register for the virtual community meeting on Nov. 16.

 

Deer Valley Fall-O-Ween

Deer Valley Fall.pngJoin us at the Deer Valley Community Center on Saturday, Oct. 23, from 5:00pm to 8:00pm for this year's Fall-O-Ween event! This is free for all ages to come, enjoy and have fun! There will be a costume contest and lots of crafts to make, games to play and pumpkins to pick from the pumpkin patch.

Fall is officially here at Fall-O-Ween!

 

 

 

Boo Fest is Back!

Pinnacle Peak Halloween.pngThe City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department is excited to present Boo Fest! This exciting event is partnering with local businesses, PHX Teens and PHX Police to bring fun activities for all ages. This event will be held at the Beuf Community Center on Saturday, Oct. 30, from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. There will be a train ride, costume contest, face paintings and inflatable slides and obstacle courses. We'll have music, a diverse selection of food trucks and so much candy from our trunk or treat event!

 

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

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 Cactus Park Precinct.

We look forward to seeing all of you there!

 
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.

 

 

 

Big Kid Book Club - Free Books For Kids!

DVUSD Big Kid.jpgThe Deer Valley Unified School District invites your child to join the Big Kid Book Club! Let us help your child cultivate a love for reading – and get ready for kindergarten.

We will periodically send your child a free book in the mail along with helpful advice for parents of 3-5 year olds.

You do not need to live within the Deer Valley Unified School District to participate. All children between the ages of 3-5, who are not yet attending kindergarten, are eligible to join the Big Kid Book Club.

Sign up here!



News From Washington Elementary School District

WESD to Host Job Fair for Bus Drivers, Assistants

wesd_transportationjobfair.jpgWESD is looking for bus drivers and bus assistants to transport our students to and from school with a smile! We will be hosting a Transportation Job Fair on Tuesday, October 26 from 8:30-10:30 a.m. at the WESD Administrative Center (4650 W. Sweetwater Ave.).

WESD offers competitive salaries and other great benefits such as the Arizona State Retirement, holidays, paid time off, medical and dental benefits and much more!

Sign up to receive reminders about the job fair and view open positions at jobs.wesdschools.org.

Acacia Teacher Receives Recognition from KTAR

ac_headshot1.jpgWESD teachers truly have the biggest hearts! Cheryl Gedney, first grade teacher at Acacia Elementary, was named KTAR Gaydos and Chad Show’s Pay Tribute to a Teacher $2,500 winner for September!

Cheryl is known the way she goes above and beyond for her students. She learned at the start of the school year that one of her students had never gotten ice cream from an ice cream truck, so she gave him $2 to visit the ice cream truck. He came back grinning from ear to ear. This student had struggled with online learning, at times having behavioral and attention issues. Cheryl got to know him better and decided to use that special experience with the ice cream truck as a way to celebrate his successes.

It became a Friday tradition that if he worked hard in class and had great behavior, he would get $2 to visit the ice cream truck. When asked how she would use $2,500, Cheryl said that she wanted to invite the ice cream truck back so that every student in her class could share in this special tradition!

Listen to the full segment here.

 


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.

 

Cortez High School's Student-Athletes to Receive New Shoes

CHS QT.pngExcellence continues at Glendale Union High School District as Cortez High School partners with 19North Executive Director Shannon McBride. McBride helped Cortez receive a grant from Quick Trip Corporation. This grant will help assist student-athletes to receive shoes in the future.

To learn more about Cortez High School, visit @CortezHighSchoolAZ on Facebook.

 

Greenway High School Honors Athletes of the Month

GWHS Athletes.jpgAcademic excellence continues at Greenway High School as four students are honored with Athlete of the Month certificates. Student-athletes Jenessie German, Zachary Baur, Milo Apodaca, and Tatum Parrot all participate in fall sports including, cross country, football, and volleyball. Athletes of the Month must be seniors with good standing with the student body, great grades, display proper sportsmanship, and excellent attendance at school, practices, and games.

To learn more about Greenway High School, visit @GreenwayHighSchoolAZ 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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