City News

CENSUS DAY IS QUICKLY APPROACHING! CENSUS DAY—APRIL 1, 2020—IS QUICKLY Every decade since 1790, the United States has Anyone employed by the Census Bureau is APPROACHING! This month, lookout for counted its population. The U.S. Census Bureau sworn under oath to protect any identifiable information coming to your mailboxes about the uses that data to allocate $675 billion in federal information. Violating this law is a federal crime 2020 Census. Your participation is critical! Counting funds to support programs in education, healthcare, which could result in a $250,000 fine and/or upeveryone in your household in the 2020 Census is transportation, parks and recreation services, and to five years in jail. These strict penalties are put your opportunity to help your community receive other important local resources. in place to ensure that census data is only used to funding for public programs and services. generate the statistics that guide the distribution In Arizona, census data helps with the distribution of of federal funding and allocation of congressional federal funding across 55 programs, including the Na- representation. tional Lunch Program, federal student loan programs, and many other programs that enhance quality of life. Phoenix has made it a priority to educate the For each person counted, the state receives $2,959 public about the census and ensure a complete in federal funding totaling more than $20 billion count. I serve on Phoenix’s 2020 Census Ad Hoc per year, which goes toward vital services including Committee, which helps lead Census-related schools, emergency services, and hospitals. efforts. get it right to ensure Phoenix receives its fair share

There will be three secure and confidential ways to respond to the census. Each household will receive a code in the mail in March, directing the head of the household to complete the questionnaire online, by phone, or by mail. Each method takes under 10 minutes to complete and is completely safe and secure.

The Census questionnaire asks you to share demographic information, but your answers are strictly kept private and anonymous, even to other government agencies. Title 13 of the U.S. Code prohibits the Census Bureau from releasing any identifiable information about you or anyone else information from being shared with any person, organization, court, business or government agency, including law enforcement. To learn more about how every person has a direct impact on local programs, you can email or call Phoenix’s census coordinator, Leila Gamiz at leila.gamiz@phoenix.gov or 602-262-4078. The upcoming 2020 Census is a monumental event that only occurs every 10 years. It is important that we

in your household. This law extends to protect your of funding.

Visit iCount2020.info to learn more about local census efforts.

Respectfully,

Debra Stark City of Phoenix District 3 Councilwoman

GOVERNOR DOUG DUCEY INCLUDES $2 MILLION IN HIS EXECUTIVE BUDGET FOR ARIZONA COMMISSION ON THE ARTS ARIZONA GOVERNOR DOUG arts funding in his budget and encourDUCEY HAS INCLUDED A age arts and culture advocates through$2 MILLION GENERAL FUND out Arizona to express their appreciaALLOCATION IN HIS $12.3 tion through social media.” BILLION EXECUTIVE BUDGET FOR THE ARIZONA COMMISSION The allocation is level with 2019 fundON THE ARTS TO PROVIDE ing “and helps ensure that arts and GRANTS AND OTHER SUPPORT culture programs continue expanding TO NONPROFITS ARTS AND community and economic contribuCULTURE ORGANIZATIONS tions in cities and towns of every size,” ACROSS ARIZONA. Benesh said. benefits of the arts to every Arizona research shows that Arizona arts and Through the grant process, the Ari- citizen,” Benesh said. culture organizations generate an aver“We believe that state funding in sup- zona Commission on the Arts requires age of an additional $1.20 in spending port of Arizona’s amazing arts sector is grantees to prove fiscal responsibility The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis for every dollar they invest, contributcritical as the Legislature and governor and measurable impact which ensures (BEA) and the National Endowment for ing millions to the Arizona economy being their annual budget negotiations,” quality, credibility and a “very high re- the Arts (NEA) reported that Arizona’s and state and local tax revenues. said Arizona Citizens for the Arts turn on the investment that also enables arts and culture industries contribute $9 Executive Director Joseph Benesh. “We the Arizona Commission on the Arts to billion to the state’s economy, employ- For more information, visit www.azcitiapplaud Governor Ducey for including better propel its vision to provide the ing 90,000 Arizonans. At the same time, zensforthearts.org

PHOENIX FILM FESTIVAL CELEBRATES 20TH ANNIVERSARY THE PHOENIX FILM FESTIVAL, held once again at Harkins Scottsdale ary 27, and will be available through Foundation, and is a sibling of the NAMED ONE OF TOP 25 101 Theaters located at 7000 E. Mayo the Phoenix Film Festival website Phoenix Film Society, International COOLEST FILM FESTIVALS IN Blvd. Phoenix, AZ 85054. www.phoenixfilmfestival.com. Horror and Sci-Fi Film Festival, THE WORLD, IS CELEBRATING ITS Details for festival pass and Peoria Film Fest, IFP/Phoenix, 20TH ANNIVERSARY THIS YEAR! “We’re delighted ticket purchases will be Arizona Student Film Festival and to present another announced soon. For more in- Phoenix Critics Circle. Their mission The 20th Annual Phoenix Film Festi- amazing group of films formation, call 480-513- is to support and develop the artistic val kicks off on Thursday, March 26 while simultaneously 3195 or go to www. appreciation, educational opportuniand runs through its conclusion on celebrating the 20th phoenixfilmfestival. ties and growth of independent film Sunday, April 5. Continually breaking Anniversary of this com. within Arizona. The Foundation’s attendance records since its incep- great festival,” said primary functions through its protion, the 2019 festival saw more than Phoenix Film Fes- The Phoenix Film grams are to promote the exhibition 28,000 attendees and there are hopes tival Director Jason Festival is a program of independent films and conduct to pull in even more film enthusiasts Carney. under the 501(c)3 educational programs that teach the this year. The 11-day festival will be Tickets and passes go on sale Febru- non-profit organization Phoenix Film art of filmmaking.

Upcoming Community Events

The following events are free and open to the public. Please join us!

STAR PARTIES *STEAMtastic JAZZ CONCERT

Mar. 19, 2020 Mar. 5, 2020 Apr. 16, 2020 Apr. 16, 2020 Our STEAMtastic Event is a celebration of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathmatics & Music through hands on activities, followed by a Star Party. *

March 5th STEAMtastic: Activities 5:00p - 7:30p; Star Party 7:00p-10:00p

More Info:

paradisevalley.edu/blackmountain 34250 North 60th Street Scottsdale, AZ 85266 602.493.2600

ATARI® ANNOUNCES WORLD-CLASS VIDEO GAME-THEMED ATARI HOTELS™ ATARI® — ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST ICONIC CONSUMER BRANDS AND ENTERTAINMENT PRODUCERS - RECENTLY ANNOUNCED A DEAL WITH GSD GROUP TO ACQUIRE THE RIGHTS TO BUILD VIDEO GAME-THEMED ATARI HOTELS IN THE UNITED STATES, WITH THE FIRST LOCATION BREAKING GROUND IN PHOENIX LATER THIS YEAR. Atari, a trailblazer in the gaming industry, is pioneering an exciting new concept: a unique lodging experience combining the iconic brand with a one-of-a-kind video game-themed destination. Atari Hotels level up hotel entertainment with fully immersive experiences for every age and gaming ability, including the latest in VR and AR (Virtual and Augmented Reality). Select hotels will also feature state-of-the-art venues and studios to accommodate esports events.

Hotel development and design is being led by Shelly Murphy’s GSD Group and Napoleon Smith III, producer of the wildly successful Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film franchise reboot. True North Studio, a leading Phoenix, AZ-based real estate developer — currently working alongside GSD Group with Steve Wozniak’s Woz Innovation Foundation — will develop the first Atari-branded hotel.

“We are thrilled to partner with GSD Group and True North Studio to build the first-ever Atari branded hotels across the United States. Together we’ll build a space that will be much more than just a place to stay,” said Fred Chesnais, CEO of Atari. “Atari is an iconic global brand that resonates with people of all ages, countries, cultures and ethnic backgrounds and we cannot wait for our fans and their families to enjoy this new hotel concept.” More than 2.5 billion gamers across the world spent more than $152.1 billion (US) on games in 2019 alone; an increase of +9.6% year on year. One of the most distinctive trends in gaming is gamers gravitating toward recognizable intellectual property. Atari Hotels will offer consumers exactly that, marrying the origins of gaming and the future of the booming industry into a fun and unique travel destination.

“When creating this brand-new hotel concept, we knew that Atari would be the perfect way to give guests the ‘nostalgic and retro meets modern’ look and feel we were going for. Let’s face it, how cool will it be to stay inside an Atari?!” said Napoleon Smith III. “Atari Hotels will be the first of their kind in the U.S., offering gamers of all ages the ultimate in immersive entertainment and in every aspect of gaming. We’re excited to be working on this project with such great partners and to bring a big win to Arizona,” added Shelly Murphy.

The first of the Atari Hotels is planned to break ground in 2020 in Phoenix, AZ with initial additional hotels planned in Las Vegas, Denver, Chicago, Austin, Seattle, San Francisco, and San Jose.

For more information about Atari Hotels, please visit www.atarihotels.com.

LANTERNS AT THE LAKE 2020 LIGHTS UP LAKE PLEASANT

LANTERNS AT THE LAKE PROMISES TO ILLUMINATE LAKE PLEASANT IN A WAY LIKE NEVER BEFORE. On Saturday, April 4, friends, family and thousands of strangers will come together to share personal thoughts, wishes and goals as they set free lanterns along the shores of Lake Pleasant. A long standing tradition, the lighting of (biodegradable) lanterns especially developed for our lake area is a way of marking milestones, offering up

wishes and goals, while celebrating in a festive, picturesque atmosphere. This event marks the third time the Phoenix area’s Westside will host a lantern festival and also a first to take place at an Arizona lake, with the 10,000-acre Lake Pleasant water surface certain to be aglow with thousands of lighted lantern. The event will feature live music, food trucks, kids’ events and some of the most amazing views that the greater Phoenix area has to offer.

As a reminder, this is a permitted event that is guided by the Peoria Fire Dept. Lanterns other than these are restricted and not permitted by the City of Peoria and that does include Pleasant Harbor. Cost is $30 per person (including lantern) and $5 per person (without lantern) and includes live music, kids activities, food trucks onsite for food purchase and more. The basic lantern package costs $30 per lantern, not per person. A family of four can come out and only purchase one lantern if they want! The lanterns package includes a lantern, a crayon, and a lighter. This event begins at 4:00 p.m. and guests are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs, coolers are not allowed. Tickets are available for purchase with limited ticket availability. For more information, please visit www.pleasantharbor. com or call the Pleasant Harbor Events line at 623-203-5173.

CELEBRITY FIGHT NIGHT CELEBRATES 26 YEARS OF MEMORIES MAKE PLANS NOW TO ATTEND A ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME EVENING AS SOME OF THE WORLD’S BIGGEST STARS PERFORM IN FRONT OF SPECIAL GUESTS, CELEBRITIES AND VIPS AT THE 26TH ANNUAL CELEBRITY FIGHT NIGHT ON SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 2020. Grammy Award-winning leading lady of country music Reba McEntire will host Celebrity Fight Night for her 16th year. This exciting evening will take place at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa in Phoenix with the red-carpet festivities starting at 5:30 p.m.

“For 26 years, we’ve treated Celebrity Fight Night audiences to the world’s greatest entertainers and this year will be no different as we welcome some of our favorite entertainers like Reba, David Foster, Kristin Chenoweth, The Tenors, Pia Toscano and more stars to soon be announced,” said Jimmy Walker, Founder of Celebrity Fight Night. “With the help of our celebrity friends and generous donors, we are once again excited to raise important dollars and make a difference in the lives of those who need our support.”

All proceeds raised will support the Alzheimer’s and Memory Disorders Program at Barrow Neurological

Institute, as well as several other charities.

For the 26th year, celebrities, dignitaries and professional athletes from all over the world will unite for an action-packed evening filled with incredible live auction items and musical performances by many of today’s hottest stars. Sixteentime Grammy Award-winning songwriter and producer, David Foster will return as Celebrity Fight Night’s Musical Director for his 21st year. In addition to Foster and McEntire, other marquee entertainers performing at the event will include Broadway star Kristin Chenoweth, amazing vocalist trio The Tenors, American Idol alum Pia Toscano, violinist extraordinaire Caroline Campbell, and America’s Got Talent rising star Emanne Beasha.

Special honorees for the evening include Kristin Chenoweth, baseball legend Reggie Jackson and the talk show phenom Jimmy Kimmel. Individual tickets for Celebrity Fight Night start at $1,500 - $10,000. To purchase tickets or to get more information on the event, please visit www.celebrityfightnight.org, or call (602) 956-1121.

A Loving Memory Care Neighborhood with ‘All-Inclusive Care’

 A home-like setting where our residents feel safe and supported, and encouraged to maintain their highest level of independence.

 Consistent, high quality care

 Engaging day-to-day activities

 Specifically trained staff for those living with Dementia and Alzheimer’s.

We strive to create a personalized experience for each resident

20221 N 29th Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85027 Call for a private tour! 623-233-5277