Scottsdale Update Newsletter: October 20

update bannerThursday, Oct. 20

 

Headlines

Final full Pima Freeway closure this weekend

General Plan timeframe changes to include more public outreach

You’re invited to workshops for “Experience Scottsdale” brand

Travelocity names Scottsdale among “America’s Best Small Cities for Foodies”

 

Events

Forget bobbing for apples; try dunkin’ for a pumpkin Saturday

Frightfully fun “Haunted” Date Night” takes place Saturday

Out@SMoCA event takes place Oct. 27

Boo! Scottsdale’s Fall Festival takes place Oct. 29

Check out these ongoing activities and events

 

For Your Information

Vote early and avoid the crowds on Election Day

Three interactive maps show major development activity within key areas of the city

Get the latest City Council meeting agenda

 

Programs & Services

Pitch in for National Make A Difference Day Saturday

Scottsdale Police host “Drug Take-Back” Saturday

Teens invited to a wizard rock concert Tuesday

Library presents “The Electoral College and Pathways to the Presidency 2016”

Library hosts Halloween family fun

Tune up your interview skills

G.A.I.N. parties take place Oct. 29

Dispose of your brush and bulk

 

Headlines

Final full Pima Freeway closure this weekend

The northbound Loop 101 Pima Freeway will be closed for striping from Chaparral Road to Shea Boulevard from 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21, through 5 a.m. Monday, Oct. 24. This project widens the Loop 101 between the Red Mountain 202 north to Shea Boulevard. Concurrently, There will be lane restrictions southbound near Chaparral to repair asphalt damaged during an accident/vehicle fire a few weeks ago. Miscellaneous cross-road restrictions are anticipated as they finish ADA/Sidewalk ramps and repair/replace traffic loops. Learn more here.

General Plan timeframe changes to include more public outreach

The public hearing process for the draft Scottsdale General Plan 2035 has been extended so the city can continue community outreach. Additional open houses will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9, at Horizon Park Community Center, 15444 N. 100th St. Brief presentations take place at 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Another open house takes place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15, at Copper Ridge School Cafeteria, 10101 E. Thompson Peak Parkway. Brief presentations take place at 6 and 7 p.m. State law requires the city to update its General Plan every 10 years. The General Plan is the primary tool for guiding future development and the character of the city over the next 20 years. The public can review the draft plan and submit feedback at General Plan 2035. It’s your city; it’s your plan, it’s your future…

 

You’re invited to workshops for “Experience Scottsdale” brand

The Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau recently launched a new travel destination brand, advertising campaign, website and company name – Experience Scottsdale. All of those updates resulted from an extensive rebranding process. You are invited to join Experience Scottsdale for workshops in late October to learn more about the new brand. During the workshops, you’ll also get an in-depth review of the process, research and testing results that led to the creation of the new brand and ad campaign. Workshops are available Oct. 24-25 and will be hosted at Venue 8600 (Room: Camelback 3), 8600 E. Anderson Drive. Workshops are free and open to anyone in the community. Please note that seating is limited. You can register for a workshop session here. For more information, contact Stephanie Pressler at 480-889-2719.

 

Travelocity names Scottsdale among “America’s Best Small Cities for Foodies”

According to Travelocity, “Everyone knows the big cities like New York, San Francisco and Seattle have a plethora of amazing restaurant options for the gourmand. But there are a slew of smaller cities with world-class chefs producing some very creative cuisine.” It named Scottsdale among those smaller cities. The online travel agency had this to say: “A culinary renaissance has been going on in Scottsdale over the past decade. It has one of the most creative and consistently outstanding array of eateries of any city in the country, big or small. As a matter of fact, Scottsdale is an incubator for restaurant concepts that often roll out across the country.” It specifically highlighted True Food Kitchen, Citizen Public House and The Mission.

Events

Forget bobbing for apples; try dunkin’ for a pumpkin Saturday

Did you know pumpkins float? Come join us at the McDowell Mountain Ranch and Eldorado aquatic centers for our floating pumpkin patch!  The pools will be heated, and there will be decorating stations after you have picked your pumpkin! The event will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22. Admission is $10 per person and includes your pumpkin (while supplies last)!  Call 480-312-6677 for more information.

 

Frightfully fun “Haunted” Date Night takes place Saturday

What could be better than food trucks, libations, music, games and a movie under the stars? Throw in a costume contest and you have a Haunted Date Night. The fun is for those 21 and older and takes place from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, at Scottsdale Stadium, northeast corner of Drinkwater Boulevard and Osborn Road. Attendees can participate in a costume contest, order munchies from food trucks, listen to music, play games, drink libations and take a stadium tour. We’ll cap off the evening with a movie on the field. Admission is free, but we are requesting donations of “peanut free” individually-wrapped candy for our Fall Festival. Get more information by calling 480-312-0221.

 

Out@SMoCA event takes place Oct. 27

The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art welcomes the LGBTQ community and friends to Out@SMoCA. This free event features a fun-filled evening of music, light snacks, conversation and provocative art. It runs from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27, at the museum, 7374 E. Second St. Learn more and RSVP at SMoCA.org.

 

Boo! Scottsdale’s Fall Festival takes place Oct. 29

Come and have some spooky fun at this year’s annual Fall Festival! The fun takes place at Eldorado Park from 5 to 9 p.m.  Saturday, Oct. 29. The event will consist of 25 game booths, more than 10 bounce houses, stage entertainment, fireworks, candy, a tot area and more. Be sure to come and enjoy this safe alternative to trick or treating.

 

Check out these ongoing activities and events:

  • Arizona Fall Baseball League – Cheer on the Scottsdale Scorpions as they take on top minor league players from the American and National leagues. Scottsdale Stadium, through mid-November.
  • ArtWalk – Visit many of the roughly 70 art galleries in Downtown Scottsdale, 7 to 9 p.m. every Thursday, year-round, Scottsdale Arts District.
  • Old Town Farmers Market – 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, through May, Brown Avenue and First Street.
  • 365 Live – Live and local performers take to the streets of Downtown Scottsdale 365 times throughout the year, bringing an exciting new energy to the heart of the city. 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays. 480-980-6202.
  • Free Downtown Trolley – New & improved service! Runs every 10 minutes from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
  • Downtown Cultural Trolley Tours – 10:30 a.m. second Saturday of the month, Old Adobe Mission, Downtown Scottsdale. 480-634-6850. Free.
  • McDowell Sonoran Preserve – Hikes and educational programs – ongoing.
  • WestWorld hosts various horse shows and other events.
  • See more on the events by visiting the city’s Event Calendar.

 

For Your Information

Vote early and avoid the crowds on Election Day

On Nov. 8, Scottsdale voters will elect a mayor and three councilmembers. They will also decide on a City Charter amendment that corrects outdated charter language related to city election dates and when terms for City Council members begin. Many Scottsdale residents – more than 100,000 – automatically receive early ballots for all Scottsdale elections. But last election, fewer than 30,000 were actually voted and returned (about 31 percent). Residents who receive an early ballot can vote it and return it by mail and avoid what are expected to be long lines on Election Day – and the postage is paid. There’s also an early option for those who like to vote in person. In person early voting is underway from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays through Nov. 4 at Scottsdale City Hall. Watch this!

 

Three interactive maps show major development activity within key areas of the city

The community can follow major development activity within the McDowell Road Corridor, Downtown Scottsdale and the Greater Scottsdale Airpark areas via interactive maps on the city’s website. These maps track private development proposals that are active, recently approved or under development – as well as current public projects. Pulling information from the city’s Community Development System, the maps are automated to include up-to-date activity. Long Range Planning Services created the maps in collaboration with both Geographic Information Systems and Web & Design Services.

 

Get the latest City Council meeting agenda

Get City Council meeting and agenda information.

Programs & Services

Pitch in for National Make A Difference Day Saturday

Every year on the fourth Saturday in October, millions of Americans unite to do good for others on national Make A Difference Day. You can make a difference in Scottsdale Saturday, Oct. 22, by taking part in Keep Scottsdale Beautiful Day, an annual citywide litter cleanup sponsored by the city and the nonprofit Keep Scottsdale Beautiful. Registered Adopt A Road groups and “one-time” groups or individuals are encouraged to participate.

 

Scottsdale Police host “Drug Take-Back” Saturday

Stop by Scottsdale Stadium, 7408 E. Osborn Road, or CVS, 6045 N. Scottsdale Road, to return unwanted, unneeded or expired prescription drugs for safe disposal as part of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s It’s taking place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22. Scottsdale is one of more than 60 state, local and tribal police departments participating in the national effort. Residents can also safely dispose of unused and unwanted prescription medication year-round at three Scottsdale Police district locations through the department’s Safe Drug Disposal Program.

 

Teens invited to a wizard rock concert Tuesday

Those 12 to 18 years old are invited to a concert by a band inspired by Harry Potter, Hunger Games and Star Wars. Tonks and the Auros, a self-described “fierce lady wizard rock band,” performs at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 25, at Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd. Get ready to dance, sing and fight against evil. Nerd out in your favorite Harry Potter costume, build a wizard wand and enjoy some butterbeer! Call the library at 480-312-READ (7323) for more information.

 

Library presents “The Electoral College and Pathways to the Presidency 2016”

Learn about the origins of the Electoral College, the presidential selection process and the founders’ intent with its creation. Civic Center Library hosts this free program from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 25. Explore the paths that 2016 presidential candidates have available as a result of the Electoral College. Associate Professor Richard Herrera from the ASU School of Politics and Global Studies will lead the forum. Call the library at 480-312-READ (7323) for more information.

 

Library hosts Halloween family fun

Calling all boys and ghouls! Enjoy safe Halloween family fun on various days, times and library locations. Wear costumes! Get specific details on the library event calendar.

 

Tune up your interview skills

Learn important job interview skills in the Eureka Loft at Civic Center Library. The free program takes place at 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27, where you’ll get tips on building your confidence for your next job interview. Learn more about this and other programs to help secure your dream job.

 

G.A.I.N. parties take place Oct. 29

Scottsdale neighborhoods are hosting individual block parties from noon to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29. The celebration is part of G.A.I.N – Getting Arizona Involved in Neighborhoods. The aim of the program is to unite communities to create safer neighborhoods. To register your neighborhood block party or for more information, contact Neighborhood Watch Coordinator Joy Racine at 480-312-2342.

 

Dispose of your brush and bulk

The city provides monthly brush and bulk item collection offering residents a convenient way to dispose of items too large for refuse containers. Place brush and bulk items out for pickup by 5 a.m. Monday the week of scheduled service. Here’s when we’ll be in your neighborhood:

  • Service Area #4 – Thomas Road to McKellips Road; and Pinnacle Peak Road to Thunderbird Road (including McDowell Mountain Ranch): Week of Oct. 24.
  • Service Area #1 – Thunderbird Road to Indian Bend Road, east of the 101 Freeway; and Dynamite Boulevard to northern city limits: Week of Oct. 31.
  • Service Area #2 – Bell Road to Indian Bend Road, west of the 101 Freeway; and Dynamite Boulevard to Happy Valley Road: Week of Nov. 7.
  • Service Area #3 – Indian Bend Road to Thomas Road; and Happy Valley Road to Pinnacle Peak Road: Week of Nov. 14.

 

Get a complete list of Scottsdale events and public meetings. Get Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts events or call 480-499-TKTS (8537). Get Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art events or call 480-874-4666. Get Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West events or call 480-686-9539. Reach Scottsdale Update by emailing Jan Horne or call 480-312-2636.

 

Author: Les Conklin

Les Conklin is a resident of north Scottsdale He founded Friends of the Scenic Drive, the Monte de Paz HOA and is the president of the Greater Pinnacle Peak Association. He was named to Scottsdale's History Maker Hall of Fame in 2014. Les is a past editor of A Peek at the Peak and the author of Images of America: Pinnacle Peak. He served on the Scottsdale's Pride Commission, McDowell Sonoran Preserve Commission, the boards of several local nonprofits and was a founding organizer of the city's Adopt-A-Road Program.. Les is a volunteer guide at the Musical Instrument Museum.

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