|
|
|
|
||||||||
|
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
Notes for December 2007
Block Watch grant applications available Jan. 2
Block Watch grant applications available Jan. 2
Block Watch groups and other neighborhood organizations are eligible for grants to help fund programs that fight crime and improve the safety and quality of life in their areas.Applications for the 2008 Neighborhood Block Watch Grant Program will be available beginning Wednesday, Jan. 2, at Police Headquarters, 620 W. Washington St., and all police precincts throughout the city. They also will be available online at phoenix.gov/police/nbwgrant.html.
Completed applications must be returned by 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1, 2008, to the Police Planning and Research Bureau, Suite 326, 620 W. Washington St.
Applicants may complete a simple one-page form for grants up to $1,000 or a more detailed form for grants up to $10,000.
Random gunfire kills
Firing a gun into the air to celebrate New Year's Eve is not only foolish and illegal, but it can be deadly, too. Stray bullets from random gunfire have seriously injured and even killed innocent people. Please help us make sure such senseless tragedies don't happen again. Don't use a gun to celebrate the New Year and if you hear or witness random gunfire, call 911.
Police target violent criminals
Armed with huge successes in using special squads to tackle specific crime issues, police in Phoenix are pooling their resources into a new unit that will target the community's most violent criminals.The Major Offender Bureau developed by Chief Jack Harris brings together members of the rapid deployment, street crimes, repeat offender, fugitive apprehension investigative and traffic support details.
It will begin operations with 80 detectives and expand to about 100.
The new bureau is the outgrowth of three successful special operations this year, two that targeted gang violence on the city's west and south sides and a third that zeroed in on suspects citywide who were identified by detectives as being wanted in connection with ongoing investigations.
In just four months, Operation Stabilization and Operation Safe Streets netted 3,600 arrests - 500 of them gang members - and the seizure of more than 270 weapons. Crime in the areas where the two operations took place declined 10 percent.
Operation Clean Sweep produced 378 arrests of people wanted for crimes ranging from kidnapping to burglary.
The Major Offender Bureau has created an information telephone line - 602-26-CRIME (27463) - where callers may leave information about organized crime such as gang activity, human smuggling or weapons violations.
Neighborhood Day at the Legislature
Valley neighborhood leaders will celebrate Neighborhood Day at the State Legislature on Thursday, Jan. 17.The special event, which will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Capitol Mall, 1700 W. Washington St., allows residents to learn about the legislative process, talk about issues important to neighborhoods, hear from lawmakers, learn about the 2008 neighborhood legislative agenda and tour the House and Senate chambers.
The event is free and lunch is included. Registration is required by Jan. 11. Watch for registration information online at phoenix.gov/intergov.
Give Phoenix schools a little credit
The Youth and Education Commission encourages residents to give Phoenix schools a little credit when considering tax deductible donations.Residents can make a donation to a school of their choice for up to $400 if they are married and filing a joint tax return or $200 if filing an individual return.
Under the state's Education Tax Credit Program, taxpayers will receive a full credit on their state tax return for the amount of their donation made by Dec. 31, 2007.
Visit phoenix.gov/educatn/taxcred.html for more information and a list of Phoenix schools.
Make your holiday airport visit easier
The holiday season is a busy time at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Here are tips to help make your travels go smoothly.
- Check with your airline to confirm departure time and baggage weight limits.
- For up-to-the-minute parking information, call 602-273-4545.
- Don't wrap packages because they may be unwrapped as you pass through security.
- Arrive at the airport two hours before your plane is scheduled to depart, especially if you plan to park.
- Be prepared for restrictions on liquids and gels at the checkpoints. Visit phxskyharbor.com for details.
- If you're picking up passengers at the curb, use one of Sky Harbor's Cell Phone Waiting Lots. They're in two locations: west of the Terminal 2 garage and east of Terminal 4.
- If you need a last-minute holiday gift, there are dozens of new shops open in Terminal 4, on both sides of security.
Rock 'n' Roll race to close streets
The P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon & One-Half Marathon returns to Phoenix on Sunday, Jan. 13.The races will be run on two separate courses, both of which start at the State Capitol near 17th Avenue and Washington and Jefferson streets and run through central and east Phoenix to Tempe.
There will be a number of road closures in the area surrounding the routes between 5 a.m. and 3 p.m., so plan ahead and expect delays. Visit www.rnraz.com or call 800-311-1255 for road closures, course maps and alternate travel routes.
Tax aid volunteers needed
The Volunteers in Tax Assistance program that helps low-income working families prepare their taxes and take advantage of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit is seeking volunteers for the upcoming tax season.The Internal Revenue Service, in partnership with the city of Phoenix, will be conducting training sessions in January at locations throughout the city.
For more information, call 602-262-4520, send e-mail to eitc@phoenix.gov or visit phoenix.gov/humanservices/phxeitc.html.
Saguaro Library closes for major remodel
Saguaro Library, 2808 N. 46th St., has been closed for remodeling until June.Upgrades to the building will include a new entrance, a new children's area, self-checkout stations, a multi-functional meeting room, more public computers and a larger selection of popular items, including DVDs and audio books.
During the closure, library service is available from a bookmobile in the library's north parking lot. Customers can pick up and place books on hold, check out and return materials from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday.
For more information, visit phxlib.org or call 602-262-4636.
Sister Cities looks for young artists
Phoenix Sister Cities is looking for young people who have an artistic flair to enter the 2008 International Young Artist Competition.Open to youth ages 13 to 18, the program gives young artists the opportunity to earn recognition and win cash awards as well as help extend the Sister Cities mission through the visual arts.
This year's theme, "A Reflection of Your Community," aims to celebrate the uniqueness of cities, towns and communities around the world. The deadline for entering is Feb. 15, 2008.
All submissions will be displayed locally in March and the Phoenix winning entries will be submitted to the Sister Cities International Competition.
To learn more, call 602-534-7359 or visit phoenixsistercities.org.
Homeless need help staying warm
When nighttime temperatures drop and days cool down, many of the community's homeless families and individuals end up on the streets without many of the necessities to keep them warm.You can help by donating new or used blankets, jackets, long pants, sweatshirts, sweatpants, hats, gloves, shoes and coats as well as new underwear, socks and hygiene items. Additional needs are baby food and formula, diapers and children's blankets.
Donated items, which are tax deductible, may be delivered through March 16 to any of the city's four Family Services Centers, including Travis L. Williams, 4732 S. Central Ave.; Central Phoenix, 1250 S. Seventh Ave.; John F. Long, 3454 N. 51st Ave.; and Sunnyslope, 914 W. Hatcher Road.
For more information, call 602-262-4520.
Teach English in Japan
If you've ever thought about teaching English in Japan, here's your chance.Phoenix Sister Cities is looking for college graduates who would like to live and work in Phoenix's sister city of Himeji, Japan, where they will help Japanese instructors teach English to junior high students.
Applicants must be at least 21 years old, live in Maricopa County and be fluent in English. They must be available to work from Sept. 1, 2008 to Aug. 31, 2009.
The deadline to apply is Friday, Feb.15. For more information, visit phoenixsistercities.org or call 602-534-7359.
MLK winners to be honored
People who have helped make Phoenix a more unified community will be recognized Friday, Jan. 18, at the annual Arizona Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Awards Program and Breakfast "Stand Up for Justice."The event, 7 to 9:30 a.m. at the Phoenix Convention Center West Building, third floor, will honor winners of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Living the Dream Awards and the Calvin C. Goode Lifetime Achievement Award.
The event is sponsored by the Arizona Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Committee and supported by the Phoenix Human Relations Commission.
Tickets are $65 and are available at the Convention Center Box Office at 602-262-7272. Tables of 10 for $650 are available by calling 602-254-5081.
Sister Cities hosts Canadian picnic
The Phoenix Sister Cities Calgary Committee invites residents to the 56th Annual Great Canadian Picnic, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 27, at South Mountain Park, 10919 S. Central Ave.The free picnic gives Canadian residents and winter visitors an opportunity to celebrate Canadian heritage with live music, games and prizes. Participants may bring their lunch or buy food from the concession.
For more information, call 602-534-3751 or visit phoenixsistercities.org.
Hazardous waste collection planned
Phoenix residents can dispose of common hazardous wastes and other items at a Household Hazardous Waste collection from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 17 - 19 at Palmcroft Baptist Church, 15825 N. 35th Ave., and Feb. 14 - 16 at Pecos Park, 17010 S. 48th St.In addition to batteries, oil, paint, antifreeze, pesticides and pool chemicals, the events will accept five road tires per household, computers and household appliances that use refrigerants, including refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners and heat pumps. Commercial loads will not be accepted.
The city also will pick up household appliances at your home for a fee. Call for a collection appointment. For information, call 602-262-7251, send e-mail to pwserve@phoenix.gov or visit phoenix.gov/publicworks.
Recycle your Christmas tree
The city and A to Z Equipment Rentals & Sales will provide opportunities for residents to recycle their Christmas trees. Fourteen city parks will accept single trees from residents any time between Wednesday, Dec. 26, and Sunday, Jan. 6, in designated areas where special collection bins are located.The parks are:
North
A to Z Equipment will accept trees at no charge from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 26 through Jan. 5 except on Dec. 30 and 31 when trees will be accepted from 9 a.m. to noon. The stores will be closed on New Year's Day. Phoenix stores are located at 4050 E. Indian School Road and 15634 N. 32nd St.
- Deer Valley, 19th Avenue and Utopia Road
- Sereno, Sweetwater Avenue and 56th Street
- Paradise Valley, 40th Street, south of Union Hills Drive
- Cactus, 38th Avenue and Cactus Road
- Mountain View, Peoria and Seventh avenues
Central
- Marivue, Osborn Road and 59th Avenue
- Washington, Maryland and 23rd avenues
- Madison, Glenrosa Avenue and 16th Street
- Los Olivos, Devonshire Avenue and 28th Street
- Desert West, Encanto Boulevard and 67th Avenue
South
- El Reposo, Alta Vista Road and Seventh Street
- Mountain Vista Park, 50th Street, north of Ray Road
- Desert Foothills, Desert Foothills Parkway and Chandler Boulevard
- Cesar Chavez Park, 35th Avenue and Baseline Road
Trees may be left at the city's disposal facilities at 27th Avenue and Lower Buckeye Road and at the North Gateway Transfer Station, 30205 N. Black Canyon Freeway (exit I-17 at Happy Valley Road, exit roundabout at East Frontage Road, north three miles). Sites are open 5:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends. The 27th Avenue site is closed Sundays. The service is free to Phoenix residents who drop off one tree.
To donate a live tree, call 602-262-6386.
For more information, call 602-262-7251, e-mail pwserve@phoenix.gov or visit phoenix.gov/publicworks.
Watch your holiday recyclables
The city's residential recycling program does not accept the following holiday-related materials in the blue Phoenix Recycles barrels:Plastic or foil wrapping paper; ribbons/bows/yarn; foil-embossed greeting cards; plastic bubble wrap from toys; peanut-size packing materials; confetti; Christmas tree decorations; strings of lights or light bulbs; Christmas trees (artificial or real); holiday decorations such as wreaths, candles and ceramics; electrical extension cords or wires; paper cups; and plastic utensils, plates and cups; and other "film" plastic. Take plastic bags to grocery stores for recycling.
For more information, call 602-262-7251, visit phoenix.gov/publicworks or send e-mail to pwserve@phoenix.gov.
| phoenix.gov en espaņol
| Back
| Contact Us
| Accessibility
| Privacy Policy
| Security
| Help
|
© Copyright 2008, City of Phoenix