Tempe This Week: Jan. 3, 2023

Continuing our efforts toward excellence

2023 will build on the accomplishments of 2022

The historic clock on Fourth Street and Mill Avenue reminds us of all we’ve accomplished. The modern New Year’s art a block away urges us into the future.
Tempe’s 2022 was full of accomplishments that continue into 2023.

Money Magazine named Tempe the second-best place to live in the country this year (We know we’re no. 1) for our active arts and culture scene, abundant good jobs and connected transportation.

Speaking of transportation, we opened Streetcar in May, becoming Arizona’s second city to have one. We’re already looking for ways to extend the line.

We resurfaced about 50 lane miles of Tempe roadways and at Seventh Street and Forest, we made the intersection safer through asphalt art. See which roads are up for repaving in 2023 on this dashboard.

Expanding affordable and workforce housing continue to be a top priority in the city, with the latest investment including the purchase of property along Apache Boulevard. This month, the city also proudly marks the second anniversary of the Hometown for All affordable housing initiative.

See more of what's coming in 2023

Calling all golfers

Tempe community members and golf enthusiasts are invited to meet CourseCo and learn about its management proposal for Ken McDonald Golf Course at three open houses on Jan. 10. After the open houses, a public survey will be open at tempe.gov/forum through Feb. 7 to gather community feedback on potential future priorities for the course.

Learn More

Celebrate the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the Jan. 9 MLK Diversity Awards breakfast.

The event takes place on Monday, Jan. 9, at 7:30 a.m. at The Buttes, a Marriott Resort. Get details and $10 tickets at tempe.gov/MLK.

Speakers include Dr. Lois Brown , Director of the Center for the Study of Race and Democracy at Arizona State University and Mayor Corey Woods. 

The City of Tempe will close all administrative offices Monday, Jan. 16, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Find out what other city services are affected.

Dress up your pet, win cool prizes

Does your dog want to be the Caped Crusader's lesser known sidekick, Batpup? Now's Fido's chance! Show off your furry friends and get ready for the return of Tempe FanCon by sharing your best Wags & Whiskers photos on the Tempe FanCon Facebook event page! Submissions close Jan. 11. The top three winning entries will receive their prizes at Tempe FanCon on Saturday, Jan. 28.

Get the details

New year - two new volunteer opportunities!

Agency Review human services funding panel needs volunteers to recommend distribution of $1.1 million

Help determine how $1.1 million in Tempe tax dollars will be distributed for human services funding. Volunteer for Agency Review. Volunteer orientation and training will be held virtually on Jan. 11.

Your input will help provide a variety of services needed for Tempe residents which range from basic needs, aging services, shelter/housing to mental health, youth, crisis assistance, disabilities and more. 

Volunteers will review funding applications from nonprofit agencies, interview them and score the responses. The results are sent to Tempe City Council as funding recommendations.

Volunteer

Join us for annual Point-in-Time homeless count

Tempe is looking for volunteers to help conduct the regional Point-in-Time (PIT) homeless street count on Jan.24. The annual count provides a one-day snapshot of homelessness in Tempe and cities across Maricopa County. Data collected help identify trends and guide decision making and funding.

Volunteers work in teams alongside city staff, so no experience is needed. Teams fan out around the city from about 5:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. to survey and count individuals using a mobile app. Trainings are planned  Jan. 17 and 19. Volunteers must be 18 and older.

Sign up today

National Human Trafficking Prevention Month

The City of Tempe is recognizing National Human Trafficking Prevention Month in January and will take part in #WearBlueDay on Jan. 11 to help raise awareness about the epidemic and show support for victims.

Human trafficking includes both forced labor and sex trafficking. An estimated 25 million people — adults and children — are subjected to these illegal practices in the United States and around the world.

In Arizona, the average age of youth entering into sex trafficking is 13; the U.S. average age for youth is 17.

Confidential 24/7 help is available by calling the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. In Tempe, our CARE 7 crisis response team is help victims year-round, offering resources and services that support a wide range of needs. Learn more: tempe.gov/CARE 7.

Help keep people warm this season

Cold weather is here. Help Tempe's teens by donating socks and hoodies. Your gift will not only warm their bodies, but their hearts. Threadz teen clothes closets operated by Tempe Community Council (TCC) will collect and distribute the donations to the three school locations.

Items can be purchased through TCC’s Amazon Warm Wishes holiday wish list and delivered to 34 E. 7th St., Tempe, 85281 or purchased anywhere and dropped off at local donation sites. Find donation locations here. 

Do you know someone who needs a place to warm up? Let them know about one of our winter weather respite locations. They can be found throughout the community. 

Learn more

Remembering Paul "PC" Cardone

Tempe music legend Paul “PC” Cardone died at age 58 last November. This Friday, more than two dozen bands will come together to pay him tribute on two stages at Yucca Tap Room in Danelle Plaza. 

P.C. played with some of the Valley's best loved bands in an Arizona career that spanned more than 30 years. Bands included B. Strange, Undertow, Satellite, Los Guys, Gentlemen Afterdark, the Cigarettes, Dry River Yacht Club and Sara Robinson Band. He also filled in when other bands needed a bassist that could play anything, like the Gin Blossoms, Roger Clyne & the Peacemakers, the Pistoleros and the Black Moods.

He made such an impact on the local music scene that his custom-made bass was displayed in the Tempe Sound exhibit at the Tempe History Museum.

Join fellow music lovers at Yucca Tap Room this Friday for a remembrance of his life by area musicians, including: Dry River Yacht Club, Banana Gun, The Black Moods, Robin Wilson of Gin Blossoms, Wyves & Strange Young Things, Sugar Thieves, Dead Hot Workshop, Ghetto Cowgirl, Los Guys, Walt Richardson and more.

Get Tickets

Rock 'n' Roll marathon returns Jan. 14-15

Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon is back soon. Want to compete? There's still time to register.

Plan ahead to get around north Tempe and east Phoenix. Be aware of increased traffic in the downtown area on Jan. 14-15. Find transit options, bus detours and street closures here.

A little of everything, please

Soul food, barbecue, sushi, desserts, cooking of all kinds! Tempe Food Court,1900 E. Fifth St., is a great way try out new local restauranteurs - and have the cuisine delivered straight to your home.
Shown: Tokyo Teriyaki & Grill

Good social media can help any business prosper. Tempe entrepreneurs can get free social media training at a Tempe Biz HUUB Training Lab taking place from noon to 2 p.m. on Jan. 10 and 17. 

Tempe Biz HUUB is a free, hyper-local platform to help Tempe small businesses navigate mini-courses, tap into experts, meet other local business owners and find grants to move your business forward. Get started.

Learn more and register

Collector-Distributor roads will change how traffic flows on I-10 through the Broadway Curve. Learn about the CD roads and participate in a short survey that will help ADOT answer your questions and address your concerns. Survey is open throughout January.

Take the survey

Is it the flu or COVID-19?

It can be very difficult to tell the difference between the flu and COVID-19, but it's important to know which virus you have in order to treat it properly and keep others safe. 

You cannot tell the difference between flu and COVID-19 by the symptoms alone because they have some of the same signs and symptoms.  Specific testing is needed to tell what the illness is and to confirm a diagnosis.

Flu vs COVID-19 details

Maricopa County
Flu Report

Get vaccinated
VaccineFinder.org

COVID-19 rates

Cases
by zip code 

Vaccination rates
by zip code

USASU International Piano Competitions
Jan. 3- 8 
Katzin Music Hall

Hear 43 international pianists compete for $50,000, recording contracts and more. Photo ASU News/Tim Trumble

Tempe City Council Regular Meeting
Jan. 5
Virtual/Tempe City Hall

Possible changes to short term rental ordinance, land annexation and other community decisions may be made.

BoxElder Station
Jan. 6
Tempe Marketplace

Free show from 6 to 9 p.m. every weekend with different bands.
This Friday, hear classic rock covers from Bad Company to ZZ Top.

Poetry with Austin Davis
Jan. 7
Tempe Public Library

Free poetry workshop and open mic session from this published poet. Register

Eight
Jan. 7
Tempe Center for the Arts

MAC & Company presents EIGHT, an original modern dance performance with ensemble, Friends in Dance.

2nd Sundays on Mill
Jan. 8
Downtown Tempe

Stroll through this outdoor market with entertainment, food and artisan booths.