Autumn is here!

Friends!

Autumn is upon us! College students have returned to the Arizona State University campus.  Our city’s youngest residents are hitting the books as elementary school, middle school, and high school classes are now in session and in-person.  Every weekend, our parks teem with families eager to get out and enjoy the cooler temperatures. 

The City of Tempe is a special place that becomes even more special when the calendar changes.  Our population swells, our restaurants, bars, and cafes teem, and optimism for what lies ahead abounds.  And let’s not forget, Sun Devil Stadium transforms into THE place to be on a Saturday!

Over the last few weeks, I’ve attended several memorable events.  On the weekend of the anniversary of the September 11 attacks, my team and I attended two community service projects and the annual Healing Field gathering at Tempe Beach Park.  At the Healing Field event, I stood with Mayor Corey Woods and read the names of some of the victims who tragically lost their lives on that horrific day.  At the community events, hosted by Just Serve and Keep Tempe Beautiful, nearly 100 volunteers spent hours cleaning our beautiful city. 

Everywhere I go in Tempe, a sense of togetherness is palpable.  Residents are unified, strong, and committed to ensuring Tempe remains the best place to live in in America.  I am in constant awe of each of you. 

The door to my office in Tempe City Hall is always open. Please feel free to contact my office with any questions or concerns at 480-350-8748, or email me at [email protected]. 

With love,
Berdetta

Inaugural "Breakfast with Berdetta" = SUCCESS!

Thank you to all who attended the first-ever “Breakfast with Berdetta” community event on Saturday, Sept. 17!  Nearly 50 Tempeans gathered on an early morning to meet with me, meet with one another, and discuss all things Tempe.  I relish events such as these where we can meet and mingle, all while enjoying one another’s company in a relaxed atmosphere.

At the event, I discussed all that our Tempe City Council accomplished since we returned from summer break.  I presented on the progress we’ve made in helping our city’s unsheltered population.  I collected resident thoughts and ideas on topics such as solar energy, development, and how to best assist the unsheltered.  Last, but not least, we celebrated my birthday with cake from the legendary Tempe bakery, Honeymoon Sweets.   
I'm extremely grateful for all the poignant questions asked by audience members. I can't wait to come together with residents again at our next event!

"Breakfast with Berdetta" No. 2 is Coming Right Up!

Our next “Breakfast with Berdetta” gathering will take place on Saturday, Oct. 15 from 10 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at Escalante Multi-Generational Center, located at 2150 E. Orange St. The theme is "All Things Education."

RSVP

Berdetta's Business of the Month 
Back East Bagels

For over 20 years, residents have been starting their mornings with coffee and a bagel from the one-and-only, Back East Bagels. Back East is such a bustling bagel spot on Saturday and Sunday mornings, that inventory occasionally runs out by 11:30 a.m.!  With bagel flavors ranging from the classics like onion and everything, to unique “only-in-Tempe” choices such as green chili cheddar, Back East Bagels is sure to have an offering that will satisfy even the most discerning of palates. 

Open daily from 5:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. nearly 365 days a year, please stop by Back East Bagels today to satisfy your bagel craving!

Learn more about Back East Bagels

News That Made Berdetta Beam!

Tempe business offers a new way to vacation in a van
Boho Vans builds, rents, and sells modernized camper vans ready for any road trip adventure.

Back to School at Tempe Elementary: Gifted Learning Program Opening at Arredondo
ASPIRE Academy at Arredondo, a new learning option for gifted students, will open with a self-contained fourth-grade classroom for the 2022-23 school year, according to Tempe Elementary School District officials.

Thousands gather for 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony in Tempe
Thousands of people came together throughout Tempe to pay their respects and honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001.

Tempe hotline connecting homeless population to resources
On Aug. 5, Tempe opened the Care & Hope Line, designed to help the city’s unsheltered population.

A "Hodge" Podge of Tempe Activities!

Group photo with leaders from Tempe Fire Medical Rescue, Tempe Police, and Fulfillment in Training, an organization committed to building bridges between law enforcement and communities.  

On the field at Sun Devil Stadium with Sparky and Tempe City Councilmember Randy Keating!

Addressing those gathered at the annual Healing Fields event in downtown Tempe, where we honored the lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001.

Shante Saulsberry, founder of Janice's Women’s Center, has devoted her entire life to empowering domestic violence victims.  Janice’s Women’s Center a full-service women’s center with a unique mission to transform lives. This non-profit helps and houses unsheltered women who are also seeking safe lodging after having been victims of domestic violence.  Shante and her colleagues serve women in need and assist them in obtaining the skills necessary to be successful in their future.

On Thursday, Nov. 3, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Janice's Women’s Center will host its inaugural gala.  Themed “A Tour of Paris,”, this event will take place at The Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch, located at 7700 E. McCormick Parkway in Scottsdale.

To learn more and purchase tickets to this incredible event for an incredible cause, please visit the event website.

To learn more about Janice's Women’s Center, please visit https://janiceswomenscenter.com/.