December 2013

Important Phone Numbers

Message from Councilman Daniel T. Valenzuela

Happy holidays from the District 5 office!

It is a bittersweet time as we say goodbye to two exceptional public servants at the end of this month. I want to thank my colleagues, Councilman Simplot and Councilman Johnson for their extraordinary work on our City Council. Councilman Simplot’s revitalization efforts and equality campaigns have made Phoenix a more inclusive city. Councilman Johnson’s love for the city and his focus on economic development, community education, and outreach developed Phoenix into an outstanding city. Wherever they go, I know that they will continue their remarkable work.

A recap of our District 5 community meeting on November 19 discussing healthy food alternatives is found below. Also, I’ve included an article highlighting Phoenix’s extraordinary accomplishment of earning a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index – I am so proud of Phoenix!

To help you stay safe this holiday season, Christmas tree safety tips from Phoenix Fire and grease blockage advice from the Water Services Department are featured on pages nine and ten. I wish you all a blessed holiday season and happy New Year!

District 5 Office Graffiti Busters Abandoned Vehicles

602-262-7446 602-495-7014 602-262-6151 Garbage

Collection I llegal Dumping Neighborhood Enforcement

Parking Complaints

Property Maintenance Violations

I llegal Signs

Street Repair

602-262-7251 602-262-7251 602-262-7844

602-262-6151 602-262-7844 602-534-7100 602-262-6441

A warm welcome to our new District 5 council aide, Bithia! With a contagious smile, she is excited and ready

to serve. Also, a fond farewell and big thank you to Aaron Searles for his crucial work that enabled us to serve you

better!

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December 2013

FitPHX’s Jon Brodsky and Councilman Valenzuela scaled downtown towers in

support of the American Lung Association.

Clear Channel discussed FitPHX, entrepreneurship, and Phoenix Merits

with Councilman Valenzuela.

Palo Verde Women’s Golf invited Councilman

Valenzuela to their Christmas party to celebrate the holidays

together

An amazing turnout at Trevor Browne High School for the Phoenix Neighborhood Patrol training en

Español!

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December 2013

Healthy food in West Phoenix was the focus of the D5 community meeting on November

9 at the Maryvale Community Center.

This was the twentieth year of Julian Nabozny serving free McDonald’s

Thanksgiving breakfasts to thousands in South Phoenix. Thank you!

One of our outstanding DTV segments focused on the important work of Nuestro

Río, a growing network of over 21,000 Latinos dedicated to empowering young

people to protect the Colorado River.

We were excited to celebrate the involvement of Phoenix senior centers in the FitPHX program.

More than 600 seniors completed 2,100 hours of health activitives to increase health awareness.

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December 2013

Zero Water Rate Increase Because of careful planning and numerous efficiency efforts, the Water Services Department is proposing no water or sewer rate increases for 2014.

For the second year in a row, the average single-family residential water bill will remain at $37.75, and the average single-family residential sewer bill will remain at $20.71, both among the lowest in the nation.

Our Water Services Department employees have done a remarkable job managing our water and sewer systems,” said Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton. “Taxpayers throughout the city benefit from the department’s efficiency and skill.”

Councilman Valenzuela also released a statement, saying, “On December 5, the city of Phoenix Water Services Department announced that for the second year in a row residents will not see a rate increase on their city services bill, which includes water and sewer fees. There are many factors that contribute to ensuring the rate stays stable, including innovations and efficiencies within city processes and efforts by our residents to manage water usage and help keep our sewer system running smoothly by limiting what we send down the drain.

This is a time when most of us are watching our spending and trying to keep our household budgets in check - this is on the top of mind for myself and many of my Council colleagues. I commend our Water Services staff for protecting one of our most valuable natural resources, managing it wisely and ensuring that our residents have safe, clean water at a price they can count on."

For more information on the City’s invaluable Water Services Department, please visit http://phoenix.gov/waterservices/ourservices/history/index.html and http://phoenix.gov/waterservices/ourservices/history/wtr100intro.html

Need Help with College Scholarships? College Depot, located on the second floor of Burton Barr Central Library at 1221 N. Central Ave., is continuing into 2014. The last workshop this year is Scholarships 101 + Hands-on Lab from 2 - 3:30 p.m. on Friday, December 27.

Discover ways to find free money for college and learn strategies for creating winning scholarship applications followed by a hands-on session.

Space is limited. To register or for more information, call 602-261-8847 or email college.depot@phoenix.gov.

College Depot is a full-service college planning center that offers free one-on-one assistance, family consultation and workshops on all aspects of the college planning process, from financial aid to career exploration. The service is open to anyone seeking assistance with planning for college.

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December 2013

Phoenix Earns Perfect Score on 'Equality Index' The City of Phoenix has made some of the most significant strides to ensure equal treatment of members of the gay and lesbian community, according to a new report by the Human Rights Campaign.

Phoenix earned a perfect score of 100 in the latest municipal equality index (MEI). It is one of only 25 cities in the country to earn a top score and one of only eight cities to earn a perfect score without a supportive state anti-discrimination law in place. Phoenix earned a score of 70 in 2012 making it the most improved city to earn a perfect score this year.

Earlier this year, Mayor Greg Stanton spearheaded an effort to pass a sweeping anti-discrimination ordinance that made it unlawful to discriminate against someone based on sexual orientation, gender identity or disability for the purposes of employment, public accommodations, housing, and government contracts. The City Council approved the measure in February.

“This perfect score is a testament to the hard work of so many people who understand that we are a stronger, and more vibrant and more economically viable city when we treat every person equally under the law,” said Mayor Greg Stanton. “Phoenix is now in a better place to attract talented employees, and we’ve sent a powerful message to business leaders everywhere that we have the kind of environment that’s conducive to growth.”

To recognize Phoenix’s progress, leaders from the Human Rights Campaign traveled to the Valley for an event and press conference on Tuesday, November 26. Phoenix is the only Arizona city to have earned a perfect score.

“Phoenix could not have become the sixth largest city in America were it not an open-minded and welcoming place,” said Steve Moore, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Phoenix Convention and Visitors Bureau.

“The convention and leisure-visitor industry embraces this spirit of inclusion, and also benefits from it. Our new convention center has hosted over one million delegates who recognize destinations that celebrate their diversity and awareness.”

Councilman Valenzuela released a statement later that day saying, "The City of Phoenix was honored by the Human Rights Campaign for achieving a perfect score on its Municipal Equality Index - for showing support for the LGBT community in our city. This acknowledgement from the HRC is important because it means we are on the right track. Phoenix is a special place because of our diversity; however, there is a great difference between diversity and inclusiveness. Only by celebrating our differences can we truly be united.

Earlier in the year, the Phoenix City Council passed an anti-discrimination ordinance related to housing, employment and public accommodations to strengthen protection for those in the LGBT and disabled communities. This was a strong statement by my council colleagues and me in support of civil rights and equal opportunities for all – but we should not consider this the finish line. Fostering a spirit of inclusiveness in our city is the right thing to do for our residents and for our economy - this is the kind of progress that will serve us well and drive us toward a bright future."

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December 2013

Phoenix Afterschool Centers Focusing on Fitness and Nutrition

Mayor Greg Stanton and Councilman Daniel Valenzuela joined Phoenix Afterschool Center (PAC) students in action on December 11, along with City partners who support the City’s after school fitness and nutrition education programs.

Students at Tomahawk Elementary in the Cartwright School District participated in a fitness activity and received nutrition education at the west Phoenix PAC site – part of their after school curriculum. The United States Department of Agriculture funds the Nutrition Education and Training (NEAT) program, and the State administers it through the Maricopa County Department of Public Health and University of Arizona Cooperative Extension – Nutrition Network.

A new FitPHX partnership this year brings the Phoenix Children’s Hospital Kohl’s FIT program to PAC. The program encourages physical activity by tracking mileage and minutes through a website. PAC staff enters the data, following student exercise through fun and healthy activities.

Through the end of November, the FIT program has tracked 1,460 PAC students who have moved more than 180,000 miles, an average of 123 miles per student. Phoenix Children’s Hospital also is providing nutrition education training at city Housing and Head Start sites – 65 children and 185 adults have received 218 hours of classes through those city programs.

The Parks and Recreation Department’s PAC program currently serves 2,200 students at 45 schools around the city. Nutrition, health and fitness are components of the overall PAC Program, which also includes educational enrichment, arts and cultural activities, and sports and games.

FitPHX is a citywide initiative, led by Mayor Stanton, Councilman Valenzuela and Olympic Gold Medalist Misty Hyman, with the goal of improving health and wellness in the region and making the Phoenix area one of the healthiest in the nation.

The program encourages residents to lead healthier lifestyles, focusing on childhood and adult obesity, nutrition education, active infrastructure, healthy worksites and encouraging the use of public transportation, bicycling and walking. For more information, visit the FitPHX website at http://phoenix.gov/residents/fitphx/index.html.

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December 2013

District 5 Healthy Food Initiative Community Meeting

On November 19, Valley of the Sun United Way, Emerging Markets Development Corporation (EMDC), and Councilman Valenzuela met at the Maryvale Community Center to discuss a FitPHX initiative that promotes healthier food choices with District 5 residents and stakeholders.

The meeting marked an exciting step in the process of finding wholesome food alternatives for West Phoenix. United Way, EMDC and Councilman Valenzuela partnered as a dynamic unit to face the challenges of a healthier future.

United Way presented and discussed their goal to end hunger in Maricopa County, including West Phoenix. United Way sought resident participation and input on their desire to attract a supermarket to District 5 during prior community workshops. EMDC also discussed community engagement and results from resident food diaries from community members who recorded their food shopping habits.

United Way works to encourage and engage residents in finding the best options for healthy foods. United Way helps residents become more aware of their needs and preferences in regards to healthier food choices.

In Maricopa County, 82,000 households face chronic hunger. As the holiday season approaches, it is pivotal to support these struggling households and to make sure that they do not stay hungry. The District 5 office is enthusiastic about the future and is excited to work with the community and our partners to find the best solution to end hunger in our area.

To find out more about the Valley of the Sun United Way and their goal to end hunger in Maricopa County, visit their website at www.vsuw.org.

For any questions regarding the Nov. 19 community meeting, please call the District 5 office at 602-262-7446 or email at council.district.5@phoenix.gov.

Healthy food in West Phoenix was the focus of the D5 community meeting at the Maryvale Community Center.

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December 2013

Phoenix Neighborhood Patrol Classes Attention District 5 residents! The Phoenix Neighborhood Patrol (PNP) training schedule is available with a number of classes beginning next year. The program teaches the basics of effective block-watching. For residents wanting to make their communities safer, this program teaches individuals how to be the eyes and ears of Phoenix patrol officers. Learning what to do if you see suspicious activity, who to contact depending on the level of the suspicious activity, helping to keep your fellow residents safe, improving the quality of life in Phoenix neighborhoods, crime reduction, and mileage reimbursement for patrolling streets are some of many benefits of becoming PNP certified.

Classes are held at the Mt. View Precinct at 2074 E. Maryland and registration begins at 7:30 a.m. with classes ending at around noon. Here are the available classes:

• Saturday, Feb. 1, 2014

• Saturday, Mar. 8, 2014

• Saturday, May 3, 2014

• Saturday, July 12, 2014

Please RSVP to Officer Brian Kornegay at brian.kornegay@phoenix.gov, Officer Deb Iodice at Deborah.iodice@phoenix.gov or call 602-495-0597.

For more details and information on the Phoenix Neighborhood Patrol program, visit phoenix.gov/police/ppd_pnp.html.

This past month we celebrated alongside a group of new Phoenix Neighborhood Patrol graduates. You can be one, too!

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December 2013

Grease Can Cause Blocked Sewer Lines

As the holidays approach and cooking meals becomes a sporting event, the City of Phoenix Water Services Department reminds you to cease the grease – the grease you may be putting down your drain.

Pouring liquid fat, cooking oil, grease, or solids down the drain becomes a problem after it hardens inside of your private sewer lines or the city’s sewer lines. Either way, the cleanup costs can be extensive and eventually come out of your pocket.

The biggest grease culprits include meat fats, oils, butter, margarine, sauces, gravies, and shortening. Phoenix advises that you let the grease cool then scrape grease from pots and pans into the trash prior to washing dishes. Phoenix also recommends minimizing the use of your garbage disposal and disposing of vegetable peelings and other solids in the trash.

Each year, Phoenix cleans about 1,200 miles of its 5,000 miles of sewer lines using high-tech equipment and cameras that allow operators to view the inside of the lines, inspect for potential structural issues, and remove hardened grease, cooking oil, and solids that can lead to sanitary sewer overflows; where sewage backs up into your home, yard, neighborhood or street. You can help; just cease the grease!

Catch an episode of DTV!

Highlighted on DTV’s November episode, Thai Lotus, a local restaurant on 19th Avenue, cooked

up a delicious meal!.

Catch them out on the business segment!

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December 2013

Safety Tips from Phoenix Fire Christmas trees that are not kept moist can present a very serious fire hazard. A dried out Christmas tree can be totally consumed by fire in less than 30 seconds. Most trees sold in the Valley have been cut out of the state and have been drying out since they were harvested, which could have been as late as mid-November.

• Trees with brown shedding needles should be rejected.

• If the tree looks green and fresh, take a long needle and bend it between your thumb and forefinger. If it snaps, the tree is too dry.

• When the trunk of a tree is bounced on the ground, a shower of falling needles shows that tree is dry. When you bring a tree home, cut about an inch off the end of the trunk. This will remove the dried end and allow the tree to absorb water.

• Always turn off lights on trees and other decorations when you go to bed or leave your home. A short circuit in any of this equipment could cause a fire.

• Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. Damaged insulation in lighting on a metallic tree could cause the entire tree to be charged with electricity. To avoid this danger, use colored spotlights above or beside a metal tree, never fastened onto it.

• Keep children away from light sets and electrical decorations. All lights present the problem of shock and casualty hazards for curious kids.

• Lights in windows can cause curtains and drapes to ignite.