City Council approves reserving May election date

Tempe City Council unanimously agreed at its Nov. 10 Special Meeting to reserve a spot on the county’s May 2023 Special Election ballot regarding a proposed hockey arena and entertainment district. During that meeting, the Arizona Coyotes pledged to collect petition signatures to refer the development to the ballot.
 
The Council’s action indicates the possibility of holding a Special Election on May 16, 2023; however, it does not mean the Council has placed this issue on the ballot. State law requires governing bodies to provide a Call of Election at least 180 days in advance of any election.
 
Those interested may comment on the proposed project virtually or in person on Nov. 15 at the Development Review Commission or at the Nov. 22 or Nov. 29 Tempe City Council meetings. Visit tempe.gov/clerk for details. Read more in the latest news release here.

Learn more about the proposal

Zero Waste Day this Saturday

He's working like a dog, but he's still making time to donate! Stop by Zero Waste Day this Saturday, Nov. 19, from 7 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Tempe Fire Training Center, 1340 E. University Dr. Must provide Tempe/Guadalupe residency proof.

Get details

Reminder: Update addresses for new 85288 zip code

Are you among the 13,000 residents or businesses in north Tempe’s new 85288 zip code? Don’t forget to take steps now to update your voter registration, driver licenses, business materials and other vital documents. The U.S. Postal Service – not the City of Tempe – created the new zip code because of rapid growth in the area. The change took effect July 1; mail will be delivered to either zip code for a year. Get links to applicable city services and other resources here.

Season of Giving in Tempe

The 2022 holiday season is here and what better time to consider gathering your friends, family and work colleagues together to give back this season. Tempe Community Action Agency has plenty of opportunities to get engaged: volunteer to hang holiday lights and decor for clients in need, donate food for holiday meal boxes, make a financial donation for gift cards that will go to families and seniors. Learn more here.

Be aware. Be seen. Be safe. 

To remember and honor the 14 lives lost on Tempe streets in 2021, the city will place displays at the intersections closest to where traffic fatalities occurred, beginning Friday, Nov. 18 through Monday, Nov. 21. Learn more here.

Volunteer reading tutors needed 

Looking for a great volunteer opportunity? Consider tutoring young school children through the city’s AARP Foundation Experience Corps program. Join us for an in-person information session Nov. 17 at the Tempe Public Library. No special skills needed! Learn more here.

Turkey day kitchen safety tips

Did you know that about 65% of all residential fires are related to the kitchen? More injuries occur there than any other room in the home. Here are some tips for staying safe: 

-Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop so you can keep an eye on the food.

-Turn handles inward when using pots and pans on the stove.

-Stay in the house when cooking your turkey in the oven and check on it frequently.

-Keep children away from the hot stove.

-Steam or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns – use caution.

-Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer or mixer are not dangling off the counter .

-Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Check them by pushing the test button.

Get more safety tips

ASU Homecoming: Devils through the Decades

The Arizona State University Homecoming Parade is one of the biggest and longest running traditions. This year’s theme is “Devils Through the Decades.” Student organization floats, the ASU Marching Band, colleges, departments, community organizations and local celebrities are all a part of this great tradition. The parade takes place on University Drive between Forest and McAllister avenues at 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19.
 
After the parade, visit the City of Tempe booth at the Homecoming Block Party for games, a photo booth and giveaways! We’ll be located on University Drive near College Avenue. Learn more here.

Getting around: street restrictions and transit detours

The ASU Homecoming Parade and Block Party, a Sun Devil football game and the Ironman Triathlon are all happening this weekend in downtown Tempe! Make sure you're aware of any street restrictions and transit detours by visiting tempe.gov/StreetClosures.
 
Direct closure links
Homecoming Block Party https://mailchi.mp/tempe/asuhcbp1122
Ironman https://mailchi.mp/tempe/ironman1122

Stay up-to-date with event emails

New exhibit at Tempe History Museum opens Nov. 19

Do you know the real story of one of Tempe’s closest neighbors? Find out more at the opening of Tempe History Museum’s new featured exhibit, "Guadalupe: Where Three Cultures Flourish," created in partnership with the Guadalupe Historical Society. Celebrate the opening with mariachi music, cultural dancers, traditional food and more! Event is free and open to the public.

Plan your visit

FREE holiday movies and lights return 

Join Pollack Tempe Cinemas for a night of free holiday movies, carolers and more than 500,000 holiday lights at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 17. After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, come enjoy this Tempe tradition and four movie choices: Elf, A Christmas Vacation, Polar Express and How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Find details here.

Coming soon to Emerald Center

You might know Emerald Cener as the IKEA complex. It’s 70 acres of shopping, entertainment and businesses at I-10 and Warner Road. Soon, it will be home to White Castle hamburgers, Electric Pickle and more. Take a look at this video. (By the way, White Castle breaks ground tomorrow!)

Not your average cup of joe

Stop by Happy Joe Coffee for cult-favorite regular coffee or a cup of CBD coffee. The menu ranges from classic lattes, teas and coffees to creations such as the Nutella Cold Brew, Lavender Latte and Cinnamon Vanilla Matcha. Happy Joe's CBD is derived entirely from regeneratively grown organic hemp. Think medicinal benefits, not psychoactive effects. Bonus for coffee and tea drinkers: the cool pop culture-themed wall murals. Find Happy Joe at 213 E. 7th St. Details here.

Work for the city you call home. The City of Tempe has openings for every skill level and nearly every kind of occupation from arts to water quality. See them all at tempe.gov/jobs.

Tempe’s park monuments are nearing the end of their repairable lives, with many showing severe wear and tear. Over the last nearly 40 years, parks staff has cared for and maintained the monuments that mark every park, park facility and golf course. It’s now time to start the process of exploring what new signs could look like, and the city is seeking resident feedback on proposed designs. These options aim to reflect our community while using materials that can be easily cleaned and maintained for decades to come.

Submit feedback now through Nov. 30 at tempe.gov/forum. The survey results will help shape next steps for design, budgeting and timeline for the project. Take the survey here. 

Stay up-to-date with vaccines

Did you know the flu vaccine is needed every season?

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. A flu vaccine is needed every season for two reasons: 

-The body’s immune response from vaccination declines over time, so an annual vaccine is needed for optimal protection. 

-Flu viruses are constantly changing, the formulation of the flu vaccine is reviewed each year and updated as needed to keep up with changing flu viruses. 

The best way to prevent flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year.

Maricopa County
Flu Report

Get Vaccinated:
vaccinefinder.org

COVID-19 Cases
85281: 131
85282: 140
85283: 92
85284: 41
85283 also includes Town of Guadalupe residents

Percentage Vaccinated*
85281: 53%
85282: 58%
85283: 55%
85284: 71%

completed primary series

Column 1: COVID-19 Cases by zip code are defined as new positive COVID-19 test results reported to Arizona Department of Health Services (AZDHS) within the last month. These figures, as well as overall total cases, may still be found at AZDHS. Home tests would not be included in this figure.

Column 2: Percentage of the total number of people in each zip code who have completed the primary series. This weekly data is provided by Maricopa County. Additional data on those who have received booster shots is also available there. 

Check Tempe's COVID-19 dashboard for wastewater data and more.

Brief bits about interesting events and meetings taking place this week.
For more events visit tempe.gov/calendar.

Community Chats
Tuesday, Nov. 15
5 - 8:30 p.m. 
Tempe History Museum
Discussion of the history of anti-Black racism.

Free interview prep for high schoolers
Tuesday, Nov. 15
4:30 - 6 p.m.
Tempe Public Library
Career Ready Tempe hosts in-person workshop - hone your interview skills and prepare for success.

Short-term rental properties meeting
Wednesday, Nov. 16
6 p.m.
Escalante Multi-Generational Center
Weigh in on proposed regulations

Free Art Friday: ABCs of Me!
Friday, Nov. 18
9 a.m. - noon
Edna Arts Courtyard
Parents and kids ages 1 to 5 will explore what makes them special.

Fusion music with D'DAT
Friday, Nov. 18
7:30 p.m.  
Tempe Center for the Arts
Indigenous musical traditions and jazz

Happy Birthday Sparky!
Sunday, Nov. 20
ASU's mascot is looking good for his age - he was born in 1946. Cheers to Sparky!