In this newsletter you will find the latest news, announcements, and event details I want to share with you.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office with questions, comments, or concerns at 602-262-7441 or council.district.3@phoenix.gov.
Respectfully,
Councilwoman Debra Stark
✨A Month in Review✨
On November 6, our office hosted a District 3 community meeting at Joy Bus Diner, where residents had the opportunity to connect directly with Public Works Department staff, Councilwoman Stark, Community Action Officers, and other city staff. Attendees asked questions, shared feedback, and learned more about ongoing projects and services in District 3.
In addition to the conversation, we also held a community food drive during the event. Thanks to the generosity of attendees, all donations were delivered to House of Refuge Sunnyslope, helping support local families in need.
⭐On Monday, November 17th, we joined Desert Horizon Precinct to kick off their 6th annual Turkey Drive in partnership with Knight Transportation and Phoenix Police Foundation to support St. Mary's Food Bank with turkey donations and cash donations!⭐
Then on November 26th, we joined Desert Horizon Precinct, Mayor Kate Gallego, and Councilman Kevin Robinson at St. Mary's Food Bank for a final count of all the turkeys donated. In total, over $15,000 was raised to support our neighbors in need. Thank you to everyone who donated!
On November 14th, Councilwoman Stark and Councilman Kevin Robinson teamed up for an exciting food review at Chino Bandido, a beloved local spot located on Bell Road in District 3. Known for its unique fusion of Mexican and Chinese cuisine, Chino Bandido serves up bold, comforting dishes like rice bowls and burritos in a casual, counter-service setting.
The visit was a great way to spotlight a long-standing local favorite and support small businesses in the district. If you haven’t tried it yet, this hidden gem is definitely worth a visit!
On Thursday, November 20, Councilwoman Stark and officers from the Black Mountain Precinct gathered with community members for Coffee with a Cop at Biscuits Cafe on Bell Road.
The event offered a relaxed and welcoming space for residents to connect with Community Action Officers and city staff, ask questions, and share feedback over breakfast and a warm cup of coffee. Thank you to everyone who joined us!
The link between hunger and poor health is undeniable. Desert Mission is combating hunger across the income spectrum by helping to bridge nutrition gaps that negatively affect the health and well-being of community residents and HonorHealth patients alike. By providing fresh, nutritious food through the front door of Desert Mission Food Bank, Desert Mission is able to provide food access, education, and empowerment where they are most needed.
On November 24th, our office joined Desert Mission Food Bank in assembling grocery carts in the market for food bank guests, helping ensure that families have access to the food they need.
₊˚⊹♡🍰🍓♡⊹˚₊ LASTLY!! ! ₊˚⊹♡🍰🍓♡⊹˚₊
This month, we celebrated Councilwoman Stark’s birthday! Please join us in wishing her a wonderful year ahead, filled with continued success, good health, and joy!
🎂Happy birthday, Councilwoman Stark! We are grateful for your dedicated leadership and unwavering service to the City of Phoenix and residents of District 3! 🎂
✨City of Phoenix: District 3 Updates
✨
Your monthly roundup of news, events, and resources from Councilwoman Stark and the District 3 team.
❄️December D3 Holiday Party
❄️
✨ You’re Invited! ✨
Join Councilwoman Stark for a night of holiday cheer, community, and giving back!
We’ll be celebrating the season and supporting Harvest Compassion Center, a local organization providing free food and essentials to families in need. If you’re able, please bring new, unwrapped toys or non-perishable food items to donate.
If you aren’t able to attend, you can still support by donating directly to Harvest Compassion Center!
Let’s celebrate together while making a meaningful impact.
🎁✨Celebrate the Holidays in DTPHX
🎁✨
Downtown Phoenix Shines Bright This Season with ‘Holidays in DTPHX’
Free festivals, markets, and family fun bring holiday cheer to the heart of the city
Downtown Phoenix Inc. (DPI)
invites the community to create lasting holiday memories with Holidays in DTPHX, a festive lineup of family-friendly events, markets, and experiences celebrating the season.
From free outdoor movies and local artisan markets to live performances and the debut of a brand-new Holidays in DTPHX Passport, Downtown is filled with ways to celebrate, all set against a glittering city backdrop.
The month-long celebration features a variety of activations and events, including:
PJs in the Park – Saturday, Nov. 29 at Patriots Square at CityScape: A free outdoor screening of The Santa Clause (1994) under the stars, complete with photos with Santa and hot cocoa.
Santa’s Country Jamboree – Friday, Dec. 5 at Herberger Theater Center: A spirited First Friday Live celebration filled with festive music and cheer in a vibrant outdoor setting.
Wild West Holiday Market – Thursday, Dec. 11 at Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel: Shop local vendors and find unique, handcrafted gifts while taking a photo with Cowboy Santa on the hotel’s rooftop terrace.
Phoestivus – Friday, Dec. 12 at Arizona Center: The beloved artisan market returns with live entertainment, local eats, and the legendary “Phreddie the Yeti” mascot.
Phoenix Festival of the Arts – Dec. 13–14 at Hance Park: Two days of art, music, workshops, and creativity with community.
Winter Wanderland – Saturday, Dec. 20, throughout Downtown: A grand finale featuring live entertainment, festive lights, and giveaways.
Holidays in DTPHX Passport
New this year, the Holidays in DTPHX Passport encourages attendees to explore events throughout Downtown. Participants can collect stickers at each event they attend, and those with at least four stickers can redeem a special prize at Winter Wanderland on Dec. 20. Passports are available at all participating event venues and from the DTPHX Ambassadors, who will be stationed throughout Downtown to help guests navigate the festivities.
A Downtown Tradition of Celebration
“The holidays are about connection, and Downtown Phoenix offers something for everyone to enjoy,” said Jessika Baker, Community Engagement Director at Downtown Phoenix Inc.
“Whether you’re bringing the family to a movie in the park or exploring local markets, Holidays in DTPHX makes it easy to celebrate the season together while supporting neighborhood businesses.”
For the full event schedule, passport details, and holiday happenings, visit dtphx.org
💛Help Us Support Cleo Lewis💛
Mr. Cleo Lewis of Cleo Lewis Ministries is a true gem and driving force for service in our community, leading with faith, compassion, and a heart for second chances. Through his faith-based nonprofit, Cleo has dedicated years to serving first responders, veterans, and families in need. Cleo has worked tirelessly for many years—often at his own expense—to improve the lives of those around us. Through his ministry, he has:
Helped countless individuals and families transition from homelessness into temporary and permanent housing.
Supported people in breaking free from drug addiction and finding a path toward a better life.
Provided food, shelter, and compassion to those who had nowhere else to turn to.
Invested endless hours of service in Sunnyslope, improving our community in ways that cannot be measured in dollars.
Now, our community has a chance to give back.
Cleo's current vehicle, which was generously restored and donated by 3A Automotive in 2023, has served him faithfully for the past two years. Unfortunately, that vehicle now needs a new engine, and it is simply not worth the expense to repair it. To ensure Cleo can continue his vital work, Jimmy and Nadine Alauria, alongside 3A Automotive, are launching a community effort to raise $3,000 to purchase and restore another dependable vehicle.
We are still about $1200 short of our $3000 target to get Cleo Lewis into an already selected Ford Explorer. 3A Automotive & Diesel Repair will donate all labor costs to ensure the vehicle is safe, reliable, and ready for Cleo's daily service to Sunnyslope.
We are asking those who want to and can support us in this Gift of Appreciation to Cleo for all he does in our community and throughout our city. Any amount you can contribute will directly help provide Cleo with the transportation he needs to keep serving our neighbors. This gift would be a powerful way for our community to say "thank you" for the countless sacrifices Cleo has made on our behalf.
Together, we can reach this $3,000 goal quickly and show Cleo that the Sunnyslope community stands behind him and his mission. There is no way to make a note online with the donation, so please let Cleo or Nadine Aluria know at (602-997-7978).
SNAP and Food Resources
The City of Phoenix is committed to helping residents connect with food assistance.
The City of Phoenix does not issue nor manage the temporary suspension of 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.
If you’re looking to help Phoenix residents in need, you can find volunteer or donation opportunities at givesmartaz.org
🌟Desert Mission Volunteering
Opportunities🌟
With the temporary suspension of SNAP benefits, Desert Mission Food Bank expects the number of those facing food insecurity to continue rising—particularly as we head into the holidays.
We are calling on the community to help us meet this growing need by volunteering to sort, bag, and distribute food. Please consider signing up or sharing this link:
Together, we’re ensuring that every person who walks through our doors receives hope, nourishment, and care.
🦃Phoenix Indian Center Holiday Food Drive
🦃
Holiday Food Drive is Now Underway! Help Us Feed Local Relatives In Need Of Food For The Upcoming Holidays
Community Members: We need your help! The Phoenix Indian Center is seeking food donations for our relatives in need. We are now accepting food donations until Dec. 18 to provide holiday meals to the families we serve. Needed items include:
Turkeys & unopened, non-perishable food items
Boxed stuffing, dry pastas/rice
Canned fruits/vegetables, canned beans
Canned soups, baking mixes & flour
Drop Off Info:
📅Time & Dates: 8 AM - 5 PM, Monday–Friday
📍 Phoenix Indian Center (4041 N. Central Ave. Building B Phoenix, AZ 85012)
Call 602-264-6768 upon drop off for a team member to pick up your item in the parking lot.
For Questions, Contact: Community Support Services at 602-264-6768 or email Communitysupport@phxindcenter.org
Neighborhood Services Annual
Action Plan
Help Shape Your Neighborhood. Take the Annual Action Plan Survey!
The City of Phoenix Neighborhood Services Department is seeking community input through its Annual Action Plan Survey, an important tool that helps guide how federal funds are used to support local priorities. The survey focuses on key areas such as:
Affordable housing and homelessness
Community and economic development
Infrastructure and neighborhood enhancements
Public services and facilities
Housing for persons living with AIDS
By participating, residents can help identify needs and priorities in their communities. The feedback collected will directly influence how resources for 2026–2027 are allocated to serve neighborhoods across the city. The survey is open through January 9. Residents are encouraged to take the survey atphoenix.gov/yourvoice.
✏️ Park Improvements at Christy Cove
✏️
The City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department is pleased to announce upcoming improvements to Christy Cove Park. Christy Cove renovations will begin in Jan/Feb 2026 and will be completed in Oct/Nov 2026.
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:
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.
✨December City Council Meetings
✨
The Phoenix City Council will have a Formal Meeting on Wednesday, December 3rd at 2:30 p.m. and Wednesday, December 17th 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 Timmy, and I weigh 13 LBS!🏡
I believe every day is a great day if you start it with a stretch, a snack, and a sniff around the neighborhood. I'm looking for a patient home just like yours with lots of love and tasty treats!
I'm currently at the Sunnyslope Campus, and my adoption fee is 125! I can't wait to meet you!!
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This email was sent by Phoenix City Council District 3 at 200 West Washington Street, 11th Floor, Phoenix.AZ 85003.
