Community Corner

🌱 Body Found In Scottsdale Canal + 'Road Diets' Won't Be On Ballot

The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Scottsdale.

(Patch Media)

Hey, neighbors! I'm back with your new edition of the Scottsdale Patch newsletter. Let's get this Tuesday started off right, with a quick review of everything you need to know that's happening in town. Today we'll cover...

  • A body was found in the Arizona Canal on Sunday.
  • A rejected proposal to add "road diets" to the ballot.
  • An honored SUSD educator

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Now, today's weather:

Except plenty of sun today, with a high of 90 and low of 63.


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Here are the top stories in Scottsdale today:

  1. A body was found in the Arizona Canal near Hayden and Indian Bend Roads on Sunday night. Scottsdale Police are in the early stages of a death investigation. No further details were provided at this time. (Arizona's Family)
  2. Adding bike lanes and narrowing vehicle traffic, referred to as "road diets," is a hot topic of debate in Scottsdale. Councilwoman Kathy Littlefield proposed putting these "road diets" on the next ballot so residents could weigh in on the matter, but her idea was rejected during the April 18 City Council meeting. Littlefield argued that citizens should be given the opportunity for input, noting residents feel betrayed since "road diets" were originally presented to be "few and far between," yet 15 are currently planned with more on the way. However, opposing council members argued that public safety is Scottsdale's responsibility and should not be up for a public vote, much like speed limits aren't dictated by the public. A work study was requested for May 16 to outline additional details, including "an updated [traffic] congestion report." (scottsdale.org)
  3. Scottsdale Unified School District's executive director of elementary education, Margaret Serna, received the Kindness Star Award from the Be Kind People Project. Serna, "a teacher for 18 years, a principal for 23 and a district official the last seven years," was recognized for her "tireless energy, positive attitude and excellence in her field." (scottsdale.org)

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Today in Scottsdale:

  • Hike with a Natural Resources Coordinator at Gateway Trailhead, 18333 N Thompson Peak Pkwy. "Spend 1 to 1.5 hours on an easy hike with natural resources coordinators for the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. They will share their knowledge about the preserve and the wonders of the Sonoran Desert." Bring water and sunscreen. (6:00 AM)
  • Xeriscape Garden Tour at 5401 N Hayden Road. "Come on a tour with the city's arborist, plant expert and irrigation specialist to learn about the fundamentals of an efficient Arizona garden and how growing desert-friendly plants can be beneficial in your own yard. The tour will be limited to the first 30 people." Bring water and sunscreen. (1:00 PM)
  • Scottsdale Career Convention at Scottsdale Stadium, 7408 E Osborn Road. "Meet dozens of local employers who are ready to hire, including the city of Scottsdale and many more." Career coaches at the free event will "provide resume assistance, mock interviews, and more." (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM)

The Valley of the Sun JCC is offering:

The Scottsdale Neighborhood Arts Place is offering:

The Scottsdale Public Library is offering:


From my notebook:

  • Fresh after DEA National Drug Take Back Day this past weekend, the Scottsdale Police Department offered information about the safe prescription drug disposal program offered to residents year-round. Find "more info here: https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/p..." (Scottsdale Police Department via Facebook)
  • "The desert is in full bloom this spring! Here's a look at the wildflowers near Granite Mountain in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Youtube.com/watch?v=9g3-wZbMlGc" (City of Scottsdale - Government via Facebook)
  • The McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park reflected back "to 2009 when two Santa Fe cabooses were relocated for a third time to the entrance of the park. Originally, they were place in the back of the park surrounding the birthday party area, then were relocated to the front of the park in 1997 for the new birthday party area." (McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park via Facebook)
  • Hey jazz fans! The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa at 6902 E Greenway Pkwy is hosting a Scottsdale Jazz Festival Premiere Party on Friday, April 28 from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Guests can enjoy a full buffet dinner and "jazz performances by the legendary Vaughn Willis, Cold Shott and The Hurricane Horns, Carlos Rivas, Doc Jones and more!" Admission is $135 per person. (Signals AZ)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll see you again in a few days!

Megan Moreno

About me: Megan Moreno is a registered nurse, leader, cancer survivor, wife, and mother of two. Megan loves spending time with her husband, who is an Army combat veteran, and their children exploring the beautiful city of Scottsdale.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Scottsdale Patch newsletter? Contact me at meg_n_more@outlook.com

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