SE Valley Times

Recently, Salt River Project (SRP) received approval to hold water longer at Roosevelt Dam during high runoff seasons, increasing water resiliency for Tempe and nearby cities. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers granted SRP permission to extend the duration it can retain water in a portion of the Flood Control Space at Roosevelt Dam from 20 days to 120 days. This measure will allow more effective use of water from high runoff periods within the SRP system rather than releasing it into the typically dry Salt River after 20 days.

The additional supplies available during flood periods will help reduce groundwater usage and supplement resources for communities affected by Colorado River shortages. SRP estimates that this could save enough water for an additional 330,000 households in the Phoenix metro area for a year.

In another development, Tempe Police continue their crackdown on street racing with Operation Street Sweep, which began on June 14. Addressing residents' concerns about high-speed drivers, Tempe Police aim to enhance street safety through focused efforts to end street racing. Operation Silent Night, conducted from March 1 to May 25, resulted in 277 arrests and 303 street racing charges. In comparison, a total of 259 citations were issued for racing in 2023.

Speeds exceeding 85 mph and reckless driving were prevalent during these operations. Excessive speed was identified as a factor in approximately 18 out of 50 vehicle collisions in Tempe last year, which resulted in 24 fatalities.

As part of the Downtown Tempe Refresh Project, festoon lighting is being added on Fourth and Sixth Streets off Mill Avenue. The west side of Sixth Street debuted its new lighting just in time for Juneteenth celebrations. This project marks the first renovation of its kind for Mill Avenue in four decades and includes sidewalk improvements, ADA compliance upgrades, sustainable practices like new planting schemes, infrastructure enhancements to electric and irrigation systems, shade structures, new lighting, and art installations.

In observance of Juneteenth on Wednesday, June 19, all administrative offices in Tempe will be closed. However, residential trash and recycling collection services will remain unaffected. Public transportation such as buses and light rail will operate as scheduled.

Tempe encourages residents to show appreciation for solid waste staff during Waste and Recycling Workers Week from June 17-21. Residents are urged to recognize the work done by professionals who ensure timely disposal or repurposing of trash, recycling, and green waste throughout the year.

With Independence Day approaching on July 4th, state law will permit fireworks sales starting June 24; however, not all fireworks are legal in Arizona. Consumer fireworks like ground sparklers are permissible only at specified times each year while aerial fireworks remain illegal.

Residents are invited to enjoy a free family-friendly event at Clark Park Pool on Saturday, June 22 from noon to 2 p.m., sponsored by SRP’s Verano Sano program. Attendees can win prizes like life jackets and swim lesson vouchers while enjoying pool activities.

Additionally on June 22 from 10 a.m. until noon at Envision Center – Grow Local Tempe offers fresh produce markets alongside interactive activities designed to gather feedback on community food resources needed by residents.

Tempe Center for the Arts hosts Draw-A-Thon also on June 22 between10 a.m.-4 p.m., featuring hands-on art making inspired by “CURIOUS MINDS” exhibition along with professional artist demonstrations.

A bottled water drive is underway through June 24 across nine Starbucks locations in Tempe as part of efforts by HOPE homeless outreach team aiming to engage individuals about shelter options using donated bottles as conversation starters.

Starting July Memory Café moves its location offering support networks for people living with memory loss alongside caregivers with programs hosted at Tempe Public Library every Monday except major holidays starting at9:30 am

Nominations close soon for Don Carlos Humanitarian Awards recognizing outstanding dedication improving lives within Tempe Community; deadline is set till June30th

Residents have opportunities provide input regarding Southwest Character Area plan either online or via public meetings scheduled on Monday24th; virtual open house extends feedback window till28th focused around Rio East-Dobson Streetcar Extension Study examining potential connections existing downtown line towards activity centers within West Mesa

New job openings include roles such Operations & Maintenance Specialist based around Town Lake plus Sustainability & Resilience Program Coordinator detailed listings available tempegov/jobs

Upcoming events feature variety ranging family justice commission meeting(18th), making percussion instruments(22nd), comedy trivia night(19th), dramatic comedy She Kills Monsters(22nd) concluding Hamilton production running ASU Gammage late-June onto mid-July

For story ideas contact CMR@tempegov Stay updated email news sign-ups covering topics business homelessness affordable housing among others