City News

CITY NEWS GATHERING TOGETHER AS A COMMUNITY

By Allison Barnett

ONE OF THE VERY BEST QUALITIES THAT WE ENJOY AS PART OF THE NORTH 32ND COMMUNITY IS THE OPPORTUNITY TO GATHER TOGETHER FOR SPECIAL EVENTS THAT ENABLE US TO CONNECT WITH EACH OTHER, ESPECIALLY EVENTS THAT ENCOURAGE US TO BIKE AND WALK TO THEM. Over St. Patrick’s Day weekend, we enjoyed another awesome biking event with the 6th Annual Community Bike Ride.

This year we chose to move the party from the morning to the afternoon and finished up at 32 Shea where we enjoyed live music. The weather was perfect for an easy bike ride with friends and neighbors. We were fortunate to partner with Sip & Shop AZ to gather a variety of local vendors to host booths with everything from tea to scrubs to jewelry and much more. We look forward to planning more events where our smaller, home-based businesses have the opportunity to get in front of the community with their goods and services.

In February, Black Rock Bouldering Gym (BRBG) celebrated both their 3rd Annual Bouldering Comp as well as the opening of their new bouldering area!

“Over 350 people attended, many from outside of Arizona, just to be a part of this historic day.” shared Iliana Dodge, owner of BRBG. “Our expansion project, comprised of more climbing terrain and fitness equipment, has effectively made us the largest bouldering gym in the state, and one of the largest training facilities in the Southwest.” Way to go BRBG! We are so grateful that you chose North 32nd for your home and chose to continue to reinvest in your business to make it even better.

Looking ahead this month, we are delighted that there will be fun events on back to back weekends. On Saturday, April 13, 32 Shea and Lovecraft are partnering together to support The Joy Bus with Drag Queen Bingo. The event will start at 32 Shea and then migrate up to Lovecraft for the main event. Biking from 32 Shea to Lovecraft is definitely encouraged. This event promises lots of laughs and good times!

On Saturday, April 20, Greenway Village, located at the southwest corner of 32nd and Greenway, will be hosting a family-friendly egg hunt. There will be a bounce house, obstacle course, sports games, train, music and more.

More details for all North 32nd events are available on the North 32nd event’s page on Facebook. facebook.com/north32nd/events

Look ahead to even more goodness happening in North 32nd this year! Got a bright idea for an event? Feel free to send an email to events@north32nd.com.

Allison Barnett is the managing partner of North 32nd, Inc. which is bringing revitalization of the community through strategic partnerships with the City of Phoenix as well as local businesses. North32nd.com | allison@north32nd.com

PHOENIX HOSTING BUDGET HEARINGS IN APRIL FOR 2019-20 BUDGET, RESIDENTS INVITED TO ATTEND AND SHARE INPUT

EVERY YEAR, THE CITY OF PHOENIX IS REQUIRED BY LAW TO APPROVE A BALANCED BUDGET. Phoenix’s budget sets a plan to fund important city services, departments and functions such as Police, Fire, Water, Parks, Streets, Libraries, Neighborhood Services and many more.

On March 19, the City Manager presented his 2019-20 Trial Budget to the Mayor and City Council. Staring April 2 through April 18, the city will be hosting 19 budget hearings citywide for community members to voice their input on what they would like to see in the budget. Details of the proposed budget are available at phoenix.gov/budget.

The Mayor, City Councilmembers and city management will attend various budget hearings to share details on the proposed budget, take feedback and answer any questions. Information will be available in English and Spanish.

District 3 Meeting Dates/Locations:

• Tuesday, April 2, 2019 at 6 p.m. – Sunnyslope Community Center Multipurpose Room; 802 E. Vogel Avenue • Monday, April 8, 2019 at 6 p.m. – North Mountain Visitor Center; 12950 N. 7th Street • Thursday, April 11, 2019 at 6 p.m. – Paradise Valley Community Center; 17402 N. 40th Street • Thursday, April 18, 2019 at 8 a.m. – Shadow Mountain Senior Center; 3546 E. Sweetwater Avenue

A list of ALL citywide dates/locations is available at phoenix.gov/budget.

If you are not able to attend, you can also share your thoughts on the city’s budget by emailing budget.research@ phoenix.gov. All community meetings will run on PHXTV Channel 11 and will be posted to the city’s YouTube channel at youtube.com/ cityofphoenixaz.

After the community’s review, the city manager will present a revised proposed budget to the City Council May 7, and the Council is expected to make a final decision on May 22. The Mayor and City Council will then consider adopting a budget-balancing plan in June, and the approved plan will take effect in July.

Respectfully,

Debra Stark Councilwoman City of Phoenix, Council District 3

ENHANCED ARIZONA 511 TRAVELER INFORMATION SYSTEM LAUNCHED ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY PROVIDES EASY ACCESS TO ROAD CONDITIONS

A MODERNIZED, MOBILEFRIENDLY ARIZONA 511 TRAVEL INFORMATION SYSTEM WEBSITE AND PHONE LINE ARE NOW AVAILABLE FROM THE ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION. The new system uses the latest technology to provide a customized experience with realtime updates from ADOT, the premier source of information on Arizona’s highway system.

The new AZ511.gov website allows users to save their favorite routes and most used traffic cameras. Before leaving for a destination, drivers can log onto AZ511.gov to view incidents along their route, get estimated travel times to their destination and receive alternate route suggestions. Travelers may set up text or email alerts for their routes. Users can also call the 511 phone line to hear personalized updates. The 511 phone line is now easier to navigate and voice recognition has been upgraded.

“Drivers have always turned to ADOT for the most accurate information on Arizona’s highways. The improved website and phone line make it even easier to access the information drivers need to make informed decisions when traveling throughout our state,” said ADOT Director John Halikowski. “As Governor Ducey has said, the principal job of state government reviews. In some cases, con artists have even timeshare interest at a location in Mexico. The they’ve been scammed. If you believe you are a victim of consumer is to protect and improve the quality of life for our citizens. Embracing new technology and offering better information to support motorist safety aligns with his charge to state agencies.”

The new site is easy to navigate and includes information not previously available. Speed maps for all of Arizona’s roadways are displayed. Motorists can see the weather forecast, radar, and National Weather Service watches and warnings. Border wait times have also been added. ADOT’s Twitter feed is visible on the home page, making it easy for travelers to get their questions answered by ADOT public information officers.

The 511 phone system includes the ability to transfer directly to state and national parks, airports, and other transportation-related contacts. Additionally, the phone system will allow callers to transfer to the Arizona Adopt a Highway system to report those who litter.

Soon to follow is an AZ511 mobile app for iOS and Android that will offer route planning, advanced monitoring of route conditions, and “drive mode” that will read off critical alerts to drivers.

“The new Arizona Traveler Information System was born out of demand from Arizona motorists for more information – especially during critical events like snowstorms or highway closures. With a 24/7 operations center, ADOT is the principal source of this information,” said Dr. Timothy Tait, ADOT’s director of communications. “While these new services have officially launched, we are still adding features, addressing issues and catching bugs. If you see something we can improve, be sure to look for ‘Contact Us’ under the ‘About’ link on the website.”

ADOT set up its statewide 511 phone line in 2002 and is part of the nationally-designated three-digit phone number for traveler information. Over the past year, AZ511.gov had more than 65 million hits and the 511 phone line received more than 430,000 calls.

The new AZ511 system is part of a range of tools used by ADOT to help drivers safely navigate the state. With the ADOT Alerts app – available at ADOTAlerts.com – more than 65,000 users are receiving alerts about crashes, serious weather or closures of highways to help them make informed driving decisions based on their loca-

AG BRNOVICH WARNS OF SPIKE IN RESALE SCAMS INVOLVING TIMESHARES IN MEXICO

ATTORNEY GENERAL MARK BRNOVICH IS WARNING ARIZONANS ABOUT A RISE IN SOPHISTICATED SCAMS RELATED TO THE SALE OF TIMESHARE INTERESTS IN MEXICO. Scammers often posing as real estate brokers contact consumers and claim that a buyer would like to purchase or rent the consumer’s existing con artists tell consumers that a buyer wants to pay tens of thousands of dollars for their timeshare, but the consumer must pay money upfront for taxes, or put money into an escrow account. The consumer is directed to wire money to accounts in Mexico. The scammers will attempt to continue to extract money from the consumer until the consumer runs out of money or realizes

Although these scams are typically operated by individuals within the country of Mexico, scammers frequently conceal their identity by using the name of legitimate businesses in the United States, often using the names of businesses registered with the Arizona Corporation Commission that have been inactive for years. Scammers will also create new, slick websites to appear legitimate, and populate internet sites with fake posed as part of Mexico’s government and say the Mexican government has set up a fund to assist victims of timeshare fraud in Mexico.

“Our office has seen an increase in consumer complaints involving timeshare resale scams in Mexico,” said Attorney General Mark Brnovich. “These scammers know some people are desperate to get out of their timeshares and prey upon that vulnerability to steal their money. Never wire or send money to people you don’t know or to a stranger in another country.”

tion using geofencing technology. fraud, you can file a complaint online with the Attorney General’s Office. You can also contact the Consumer Information and Complaints Unit in Phoenix at (602) 542-5763.

YOU MADE YOUR VOICES HEARD, LOVECRAFT LISTENED LOVECRAFT, ALE HOUSE, BOTTLE so naturally we’re increasing the menu be working with to strength and grow SHOP AND SMOKED KITCHEN options to include a Smoked-n-Stuffed this community,” Golden said. LOCATED JUST WEST OF CACTUS Green Chile Lucy Juicy burger, Green AND 32ND STREET HAS BEEN Chile Stew and some other authentic She is still adamant about the need to OPENED SINCE MID-DECEMBER. New Mexican food options. We’re also support local businesses. “Property Expected to be mostly a counter service changing the plastic silverware into values will increase if our neighborhoods beer/wine bar with a limited menu of real metal silverware which I know will are sought after. Now that we are starting smoked meat and New Mexican cuisine, make many guests happy when their to have great businesses here, go support things have taken a turn, but it’s all for cutting into their enchiladas. them so more will come! Remember, the good! where you spend your dollars does Our goal is to try to please as many matter, a $2 coffee at 32 Shea makes a “Immediately, we realized that our “neighbeers” as possible, as we built huge difference day-after-day!” method of ordering at the counter was this place for them. Mid-April we plan only causing frustration with our guests, so we did what was best for the business on opening for lunch on the weekends so guests can watch their favorite sports • LOVECRAFT • and changed to full table service”, stated all day long with us. ALE HOUSE. BOTTLE SHOP. owner Rebecca Golden. “Now you can SMOKE KITCHEN. just sit and relax…unless of course you want to play ping-pong, foosball, or giant Jenga in the back room.” Tuesday’s we’ve added a social run club at 6:30 p.m. with our neighborhood friend and Personal Trainer Michelle 3128 E. Cactus Road, Phoenix (NWC 32nd St and Cactus) Fencl from InsideOut Fitness. (602) 237-5046 So, what’s next for Lovecraft? We are also teaming up with JoyBus and www.LovecraftPHX.com “We are really surprised how much 32 Shea on April 13 for a Drag Queen Follow Them on FB & IG: food we are selling. The smoked meats with New Mexican food are a huge hit, Bingo Fundraiser at Lovecraft. We can’t imagine a better group of businesses to @LovecraftPHX

MUSICAL SERIES FOR ALZHEIMER’S PATIENTS & CARE PARTNERS

MUSIC CAN AFFECT US IN POWERFUL WAYS, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT COMES TO MOOD AND MEMORY. In support of this engaging connection, Banner Alzheimer’s Institute is proud to introduce Passport to Music in 2019 in partnership with the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM). The new life enrichment program is designed for persons with mild to moderate memory loss and their care partners. The participants will experience a different region of the world each week through music being encouraged to explore memories and engage in interactive experiences in Museum, main entrance lobby, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd, Phoenix.

this unique environment. MIM fosters appreciation of the world’s diverse cultures by showing how we innovate, adapt, and learn from each other to create music—the language of the soul.

“We’re excited to offer this series to people and families within our community, because it offers an opportunity to help them remain socially active and engaged which is key to maintaining quality of life,” said Lori Nisson, LCSW, Family and Community Services director. “Recent studies convey the health benefits of music intervention for these patients. People living with Alzheimer’s and other related dementias maintain musical aptitude and appreciation. While dementia affects mood, memory and language; music can function as interactions.”

Local resident Diane Gerdts has seen the positive results music has had on her 85-year old husband Marlin, who has been suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. He was first diagnosed about four years ago. Being a previous choir director, Diane knows the power and influence of music so was thrilled to participate during the pilot program. She said she couldn’t believe how much Marlin enjoyed himself. “My husband really blossomed during that event. That was a joy to me,” she said. “But it was also a great experience for me to meet other families and caregivers. We’re all going through the same journey in different ways, and that connection was incredible.”

The Passport to Music series will be offered over the course of five weeks during 2019, and participants are encouraged to attend all sessions in their selected series. Each session will take place from 12:30 to 2 p.m. at the Musical Instrument a powerful tool in eliciting positive memories, emotions and

THE DATES FOR EACH SERIES ARE:

Spring series – May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Summer series – Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Fall series – Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22, Dec. 6

The cost to participate is $50 per pair and people can register by emailing BAIFCS@bannerhealth.com, or calling (602) 839-6850.

This program was funded by generous support from Rosario Strano in honor of his wife Judy Loker to the Banner Alzheimer’s Foundation. To support programs and activities, visit give.bannerhealth.com/Alzheimers.

PVSCHOOLS GOVERNING BOARD SELECTS JESSE WELSH, ED.D. AS NEXT SUPERINTENDENT THE PVSCHOOLS GOVERNING BOARD HAS serve our students in PVSchools. As superintendent, magnet programs, career and technical education, SELECTED JESSE WELSH, ED.D., ASSISTANT I express my commitment to begin the work by athletics, assessment, accountability, research, and SUPERINTENDENT OF CLARK COUNTY engaging and listening to stakeholders so that we school improvement. SCHOOL DISTRICT, to serve as Superintendent can continue the many great things already going on beginning July 1, 2019. and collaborate on how we can continue to improve. Dr. Welsh earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in I look forward to visiting schools to connect with Secondary Mathematics Education from Ithaca “The Governing Board is excited and honored to our administrators, teachers, staff, and students and College, New York, and a Master’s and Doctoral welcome Dr. Welsh as the next superintendent of meeting with our parents and community groups. degree in K-12 Educational Leadership from the PVSchools. Dr. Welsh has a proven ability to work Together, we will continue the tradition of excellence University of Nevada. Additionally, he holds an with diverse populations and developed programming within PVSchools and build upon its success,” said Executive Certificate in Educational Leadership and that attracted thousands of students back to district Dr. Welsh. Management from the McCourt School of Public schools from charter schools within Clark County. He Policy at Georgetown University and attended both is thrilled to be joining the collaborative culture that Dr. Welsh has more than 23 years in K-12 education the Harvard Institute for Superintendents and District is a hallmark of our school district,” said Julie Bacon, serving in a wide variety of roles. Most recently, Leaders and the Harvard Public Education Leadership Governing Board president. he has served as the assistant superintendent of Project. Clark County School District in Las Vegas since Dr. Welsh has experience working in a large, diverse 2017. During his tenure, he has held a variety of Dr. Welsh will be succeeding Dr. James P. Lee who school district, is conversationally fluent in Spanish, school-based and central-based administrative roles is retiring June 30, 2019. Dr. Lee’s 10-year tenure has worked in high needs schools with at risk including assistant superintendent, interim assistant as superintendent, which began in July 2009, is the students, and is committed to continuing the vital superintendent, academic manager, principal, assistant longest of any superintendent in the district’s 106-year work around equity in our schools. principal, region data coordinator, dean of students, history. Dr. Welsh and Dr. Lee will work together in math teacher and Spanish teacher. Dr. Welsh’s the coming months to ensure a smooth transition of “I am excited for the opportunity to work with our experiences include expertise in curriculum and leadership. great team of educators and professionals who professional development, online/digital learning,

IT’S ALL GOODZ CELEBRATES THREE YEARS AT 32ND AND CACTUS LOCATION IT’S ALL GOODZ IS CELEBRATING vapor, tobacco wellness and a current promote relaxation. The FDA recently different needs and tastes. We are THREE YEARS IN THEIR NEW trends department shop. Found in approved CBD oil for seizures as well. community oriented and support LOCATION, RIGHT ON THE the store is a vast variety of vaping enhancing development and quality CORNER OF 32ND STREET AND supplies, tobacco, glass pipes and It’s All Goodz states, “Everyone of life for all residents. We want to CACTUS. Originally opening their more. In addition, they boast a large is welcome to the ultimate smoke thank you for your support and love doors just two stores north of their humidor room with an impressive and vape shop. We have variety for throughout the years.” new location in 2001, they’ve been array of cigars and a dazzling glass a growing long-term business in the blowing studio. “Sheaborhood”. It’s All Goodz prides themselves in having inviting décor, Another selection offered at their quality products, cleanliness and great location is CBD oil (cannabidoil), customer service, with an extremely which has a multitude of beneficial knowledgeable staff. properties that influence receptors in the body to help with pain, Its All Goodz is a one stop, all facet inflammation, anxiety, skin damage and

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