City News

THE CITY OF PHOENIX TO BEGIN TURNING PLASTICS INTO FUEL THE CITY OF PHOENIX PUBLIC The need to find a way to re-use these of this movement to prevent more ma- “Renewlogy is excited about bringing WORKS DEPARTMENT IS EXCITED materials comes on the heels of China terials being simply thrown away.” our technology to Phoenix and creating TO ANNOUNCE A NEW PART- no longer accepting certain recycled a more circular economy around plastic NERSHIP WITH RENEW PHOENIX materials from the United States. This The plan is for Renew Phoenix, a joint waste locally,” said Priyanka Bakaya, THAT AIMS TO TURN PLASTICS forced city leadership to think creative- venture between Generated Materi- Founder and CEO of Renewlogy. DESTINED FOR THE LANDFILL ly to find new solutions for its recycled als Recovery and Renewlogy, to work “Phoenix will serve as a model for citINTO FUEL. This innovative repur- materials. Thanks to the foresight of the together to build a facility to process ies around the country looking for local posing of what’s known as “Plastics Phoenix City Council, this new project the materials on the city’s Resource In- solutions for plastic waste.” 3-7,” or low-value plas- is now ready to take shape. novation Campus. tics, is the latest venture in the city’s “Reimagine Phoenix” initiative to increase its diversion rate to 40 percent by the end of 2020, and ultimately reach zero waste by 2050. “I believe in taking bold chances to make big change. The idea of making fuel with the plastics we are throwing away is certainly an ‘out of the box’ idea that I am thrilled to say will also bring jobs and revenue “The future is all about recycling, sustainability and doing our part to ensure future generations have a healthy ” “ Once at full production, the project is expected to divert ten tons per day of mixed plastic waste, which equates to 60 barrels of liquid fuel. “I am excited for what this partnership brings to Phoenix,” said Councilman Michael Nowakowski, whose district is home to the city’s Resource Innovation Campus. “This new, innovative venture will encourage other businesses to bring-next generation technology to Phoenix to help us reach our diversion goal of 40 percent by 2020.” Renew Phoenix was selected through a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) process. Their plan is to use a proprietary chemical recycling process to reverse the plastic back into its basic Once at full production, the project is expected to divert ten tons per day of mixed plastic waste, which equates to 60 barrels of liquid fuel. This partnership will not only help Phoenix, but the Valley altogether. Renew Phoenix will be able to scale their production to allow regional remanufacturing of Plastics 3-7 to be processed as well. “We are proud to continue bucking the trend and pushing forward with innovation, economic development and repurposing our waste,” said Ginger Spencer, city of Phoenix Public Works Director. “We are committed to buildto our city,” said Phoenix Mayor Kate planet,” said Councilwoman Thelda molecular structure, which will allow ing a circular economy and achieving Gallego. “During a time when cities Williams, who serves as the chair of the them to convert the plastic waste into our Reimagine Phoenix goals. This new are giving up on recycling, Phoenix Water, Wastewater, Infrastructure and fuel. Renew Phoenix will also bring as venture to turn plastics into fuel is eyeis again leading the way in setting Sustainability (WWIS) Subcommittee. many as 15 full-time jobs to the valley, opening and we hope it will serve as a the gold standard for innovation and “I am certain that once others see what after investing more than five million model for other cities to reimagine their creativity.” we are doing, they will want to be part dollars in capital to the project. own recycling programs.”

LOCAL RESTAURANT HOSTS PAJAMA DRIVE FOR CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE

U.S. EGG IS TEAMING UP WITH ARIZONA HELPING HANDS (AHH) TO HOST A NEW TOY AND PAJAMA DRIVE FOR BOYS AND GIRLS IN FOSTER CARE. AHH is the largest organization in Arizona that provides beds, cribs, clothing, toiletries, “Partnering with AHH and hosting this pajama drives

birthday gifts, holiday toys, backpacks with school supplies, licensing safety items, and more to more than 14,000 children in foster care.

“It may come as a surprise to many, but many children in foster care have never had their birthday celebrated and often do not have any personal belongings when they go into a foster home,” said Sherie Siegel, Vice President of Arizona Helping Hands. “Providing a new pair of pajamas or piece of clothing that is theirs makes a huge impact. Every child should feel special for their birthday. Providing new birthday gifts shows them that people truly care and take community’s support with this drive.”

For the entire month of May, all six Valley U.S. Egg locations will be collecting new toys and pajamas that will be donated to Arizona Helping Hands. The greatest need are new toys for boys and girls ages 6-12 to support the Birthday Dreams program, where every child in foster care receives new gifts and a new book.

“As a family-oriented business, we prioritize giving back and supporting our community, especially those in need,” said George Gebran owner of U.S. Egg. the time to think about them. We are thankful for the

is one of the most important things we do all year.”

Another family operated company, Hickman’s Family Farms is also supporting the drive this year as one of the primary sponsors.

The restaurant will host foster families throughout the month of May so they can enjoy a complimentary breakfast or lunch on U.S. Egg.

NEARBY U.S. EGG LOCATIONS: 7119 E. Shea Blvd. in Scottsdale 3238 N. Scottsdale Rd. in Scottsdale 402 E. Greenway Parkway in Phoenix 2957 W. Bell Rd. in Phoenix

PHOENIX RAISES MINIMUM PAY FOR EMPLOYEES TO PROVIDE LIVABLE WAGE NEW $15 MINIMUM WAGE WILL TAKE EFFECT FOR FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES IN MAY TO PROVIDE A LIVABLE WAGE positions the City to better compete “Raising the TO ALL THE CITY’S FULL-TIME for talent in a competitive job market minimum wage EMPLOYEES THE PHOENIX and ensures that people who provide to $15 an hour CITY COUNCIL, UNDER THE frontline customer support in a variety for the men and LEADERSHIP OF NEWLY-ELECTED of roles in the organization are com- women who MAYOR KATE GALLEGO, RAISED pensated fairly. work at the City EMPLOYEE MINIMUM WAGE TO of Phoenix is $15 AN HOUR AT ITS APRIL 3 “Phoenix City Council’s unanimous life changing. FORMAL MEETING. action yesterday to guarantee a $15 These employees minimum wage for our employees work tirelessly “I am proud that in my first City Coun- was a huge win for working families,” each day for the cil meeting as Mayor, my colleagues said District 5 Councilwoman Vania community and and I took concrete action to show Guevara. “It’s exciting to see our City deserve to be paid our support for employees by provid- leading by example, making sure our a livable wage,” ing them a true living wage that will employees are paid a wage that allows said Jennifer make a real difference in their day-to- them to provide for their families, Grondahl, Secday lives,” said Mayor Kate Gallego. save for the future, and invest in them- retary, LiUNA “The City of Phoenix is proud to have selves and their community.” Local 777. incredible employees who work hard to improve our community every day, The change in the minimum wage “We are thrilled with the Mayor and proper livable wages,” said District 7 and we must take the necessary steps grew out of a collaborative discus- Council’s unanimous vote for a $15 Councilman Michael Nowakowski. to ensure that they are paid what they sion between city leadership and one an hour minimum wage at the city. It “To be the best city we can, we must deserve. This will benefit our working of the City’s employee labor groups, truly shows the dedication of Mayor not only provide the best services for families, young employees just begin- LiUNA Local 777. LiUNA represents Gallego and the City Council in mak- our community but also pay our emning their careers who have dedicated city employees in Unit 1, holding ing sure Phoenix is a leader among ployees fair living wages for the work themselves to public service, and for unskilled and semi-skilled posi- cities to establish a living wage for they do.” every employee who works hard and tions. Applied to all employees, the all,” said Frank Piccioli, President deserves a livable wage.” increase would also affect positions AFSCME Local 2960 The state minimum wage in Arizona represented by Unit 2 (trades work- is currently set at $11 per hour and apThe recommendation, passed by a ers) and Unit 3 (clerical workers) “This is a step in the right direction plied to Phoenix employees before the unanimous vote of the City Council, across the organization. in ensuring we offer our employees new Council action took effect.

PHOENIX POLICE SHOOTINGS REPORT RELEASED THE PHOENIX POLICE DEPARTMENT PPD actions revealed a lack of transparency on the Phoenix Police have already taken steps to make RELEASED A HIGHLY CONTROVERSIAL part of PPD and a lack of trust between PPD and the changes. These include more body cameras to help INDEPENDENT STUDY REPORT ON LAST community that may be inhibiting transparency,” it make officers, and hopefully the public, more cogYEAR’S DRAMATIC SPIKE IN OFFICER said. nizant of the interaction as a whole. New types of INVOLVED SHOOTINGS. training have also been adopted to help officers not The report made nine recommendations, including to react in a military style, but to handle real world The 66-page report by the National Police Founda- taking steps to track how often police point their guns situations such as mental health issues, suicides, tion was created through statistics as well as inter- at suspects, regardless of shots being fired, and taking road rage and more. views with the community and officers alike. Fortu- a stronger role in sharing data with the community. nately, the study did not find any major issues with What does this mean to our city? The study the department’s training and policies. The study, which was requested by Chief Jeri Wil- showed an increase in police interactions with liams, was approved and funded ($150,000.00) by armed subjects, which leads to yet another ques“We found no evidence in our review that policy or the Phoenix City Council in July of 2018. By the end tion as to why? Is this a sign of a change in comtraining is flawed or misguided and in fact found of that same year, Phoenix officer involved shoot- munity? Family? Immigration? Over population? that PPD executive staff have taken many reasonable ings had reached a record 44. From 2009 to 2017, the Or is it just a mixture of all of the above? steps to strengthen both policy and training,” it said department averaged 21 officer-involved shootings. in the Key Findings and Recommendations section. Give us your opinion. Go to Facebook.com/ The 23 fatalities from last year’s shootings were North32ndNews and comment on this story’s post. Where the study did find fault was in a disconnect the highest across the nation. Los Angeles Police between police and the public. Department was second with 14. Philadelphia, San See the full study online at: https://www.scribd. Antonio and San Diego (all similarly populated cit- com/document/406830432/Npf-Ois-Study#from_ “Our discussions with the community and review of ies) combined only reached 30. embed

NORTH VALLEY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA’S SUMMER SALUTE HONORS VETERANS, ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY, LAW ENFORCEMENT AND FIRST RESPONDERS NORTH VALLEY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Kozacek. “I felt that piece was very appropriate PMCF is a fundraising entity working with local (NVSO) WILL CLOSE OUT THEIR SEASON AND to honor the heroic work performed by all of our charities who support those struggling with the KICK OFF THE SUMMER WITH A PATRIOTIC nation’s first responders.” unexpected and unplanned occurrences of everyday MUSICAL TRIBUTE TO AMERICA. The “Summer living, specifically children, veterans and their Salute” concert will be held on Saturday, May 11 at NVSO proudly provides affordable concert families, at-risk animals and for everyone during 7:00 p.m. This concert is in a new venue, Shadow experiences to the Phoenix North Valley times of emergency. They envision a community Mountain High School Performing Arts Auditorium, community. Tickets are only $5.00 and should be working together to achieve the impossible, 2902 E. Shea Blvd., in Phoenix. purchased online by early May as this concert is and proudly partner with NVSO in a variety of sure to sell out. Attending NVSO concerts is the community outreach events. PMCF asks audience Get set for lively classics such as Sousa’s Stars perfect way to inspire children and young adults in members to participate in their “Operation & Stripes Forever and Washington Post March, the appreciation of orchestral music, while nurturing Homefront – Back to School Brigade”, by donating Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, dance selections from a family tradition of regularly supporting the arts in a new backpack the evening of the concert at the the always popular Rodeo by Copland, and Gould’s your community. PMCF table in the auditorium lobby. Donated American Salute. Veterans, active duty military backpacks will be distributed to children whose personnel, and first responders will be given free The “Summer Salute” concert is sponsored by the families can’t afford to buy a new backpack for the admission. To reserve your free ticket, enter the Phoenix Metro Chamber Foundation (PMCF). next school year. coupon code “HERO” on the payment screen at the ticketing website (www.northvalleysymphony.org/ tickets- sales). Please wear your uniform, service cap, or present other proof of service (e.g. military i.d., badge, etc.) when picking up tickets at Will Call.

The concert will open with a presentation of colors by Luke AFB’s Color Guard, and North Valley Youth Orchestra playing our National Anthem. Music Director Kevin Kozacek plans for audience participation to “sound the cannons” during the 1812 Overture. “This will be a fantastic experience for our audience, not only helping with cannon sounds, but also offering recognition and thanks to the men and women of the U.S. armed forces during the Armed Forces Salute,” says Kozacek. “As each service hymn is played, Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard, we will ask those in that service, veterans or active duty, to stand.”

“We’re also honoring law enforcement and first responders with Summon the Heroes, a piece written by John Williams in 1996 for the 100th anniversary of the modern Olympic games,” says

KEVIN KOZACEK, NVSO MUSIC DIRECTOR, ALSO SERVED AS AN AIR FORCE F-16 PILOT.

DISCOUNTSCOUPONSEVENTS& MORE!

VIP AIRSOFT

HEALTH AND WELLNESS LADIES NIGHT AND GO CONQUER FITNESS’ ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY GO CONQUER FITNESS’ MAIN MISSION IS TO to highlight two women owned businesses that are Individuals who have chronic pain may also have a EDUCATE PEOPLE ON THE BEST ALTERNATIVE serving the community in very impactful ways. mental illness. ROUTES FOR INJURY PREVENTION, PAIN MANAGEMENT, CLEAN LIVING AND MUCH MORE. In Splash Cosmetics is a new start up founded in 2018 by The second woman-owned business Go Conquer has that spirit and in conjunction with the one year anniver- Nyreesha Evans and Robbie Turner. Splash Cosmetics teamed up with is Fierce-Velvet, owned by makeup sary of Go Conquer Fitness opening at Kino Plaza, Go makes CBD infused natural bath and body products. artist Anali Cortez. Anali says, “Over the last 10 years Conquer Fitness is hosting a fun and informative ladies Currently Splash sells CBD infused bath bombs that in the make-up and cosmetic business I have had the night complete with door prizes, giveaways, samples also include Himalayan pink salt, coconut oil, and es- amazing opportunity to have met some incredible and of course no ladies night is complete without some sential oils. As the business grows, they will be includ- women. From business leaders and high-profile politiwine! Come out for fun, friendship, and laughter! The ing lotions, body butters, bath salts, and body wash. cal professionals breaking glass ceilings to the priviwhole evening is designed with you in mind. Mark lege of helping cancer survivors find their confidence your calendars for May 18 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Splash’s bath and body products are infused with CBD again. These women are the reason I decided to start oil because CBD is known to carry amazing properties my company FierceVelvet. The name is inspired by all Another passion of Go Conquer Fitness is to highlight that can help with chronic pain, insomnia, anxiety and of the women that fiercely take on life’s challenges and local women business owners that are on fire! Busi- more. Splash’s mission is to promote self-care through through all of it, remain nurturing.” nesswomen that are educated in their fields, compas- connecting physical health and mental health. Self-care sionate to their customers, and rock an amazing busi- is important to our mental and physical health, but a This promises to be a wonderful event you won’t want ness. In that spirit, Go Conquer Fitness is very proud majority of women do not show themselves self-care. to miss!

ARIZONA RANKS IN TOP 5 STATES FOR PERSONAL INCOME GROWTH ARIZONA RANKED FIFTH IN THE “Arizona’s booming economy is delivUNITED STATES FOR PERSONAL ering larger paychecks for workers and INCOME GROWTH IN 2018, AC- families,” said Governor Doug Ducey. CORDING TO A REPORT RELEASED “Over the last year, personal income in BY THE U.S. BUREAU OF ECO- Arizona increased at one of the fastest NOMIC ANALYSIS. Personal income rates in the nation — and well above grew 5.5 percent in Arizona, beating the the national average — thanks to the national average of 4.5 percent. hard work of job creators, entrepreneurs and employees. Arizona will continue Earnings were the leading contributor to focus on setting the best economic to personal income growth in 2018. environment to continue bringing more Arizona’s net earnings increased by 5.8 jobs and opportunity to our state.” percent from 2017 to 2018, the fourth fastest rate in the nation. Construc- Arizona’s median household incomes tion, health care and social assistance; recently reached a record high of finance and insurance; professional, $61,125. Over 290,400 new jobs have scientific, and technical services; and been added since 2015, and a recent readministrative and waste management port by the Arizona Office of Economic services were the largest contributors to Opportunity projected Arizona will add earnings growth from 2017 to 2018. more than 165,000 new jobs by 2020. CANCER CAN TAKE A HIKE WE ALL KNOW SOMEONE WHO HAS BEEN AFFECTED BY CANCER, AND ON MAY 4, WE ARE WALKING IN HONOR OF MARC HAWKINS, A BLADDER CANCER SURVIVOR. Marc Hawkins is the owner of the local business HP2 Promotions and as a cancer survivor, has become dedicated to raising money and awareness for bladder cancer by partnering with local charities in Arizona to keep all raised funds local. His dedication to the cause, and his love for the Arizona Coyotes have come together for a great partnership with the Arizona Coyotes Foundation, benefiting numerous cancer programs in his home state.

This event is dog and kid friendly! To register or donate, please visit: https://classy.org/event/cancer-can-take-a-hike/e230316

TIMELINE:

7:30 – 8:00: Registration at HP2 Promotions (2880 E. Northern Ave) 8:00-8:15: Stretching with Howler 8:30-9:30: Walk or Hike Dreamy Draw 10:00-11:00: Raffle, Mimosas, Blood Mary’s, Food and Fun!