SE Valley Times

The draft Southwest Tempe Character Area plan is now available for community review. Feedback can be submitted online through July 15. Residents can contact 480-350-8234 or characterareas@tempe.gov for meeting accommodations, one-on-one sessions with project team members, or additional information.

Tempe City Council has approved funding for 24 neighborhood improvement projects through the Maryanne Corder Neighborhood Grant program. These projects include art installations, sustainable landscaping, and park improvements. Applications for next year's grant cycle are open at tempe.gov/NeighborhoodGrants.

Tempe Aquatics will host Poolapalooza on Saturday, July 13, from 6-9 p.m. at McClintock Pool. The event is free and open to all ages but operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Tracy Dempsey Originals/ODV Wines will offer a Summer Salon de Thé series starting July 13. Reservations are required via email at tracy@tracydempseyoriginals.com.

Councilmember Berdetta Hodge will lead a community water drive on Saturday, July 20, from 9 a.m. to noon at Pyle Adult Recreation Center to support the city’s HOPE homeless outreach team and faith-partner Cooling Centers.

Monsoon preparedness tips include keeping emergency supplies handy and avoiding driving through floodwaters. Free sandbags are available until September 30 at designated locations in Tempe.

Research by ASU indicates that cars can reach dangerous temperatures quickly during summer months. Residents are reminded not to leave pets in vehicles.

Mirabella's Dolce Vita Bistro was recognized by Wine Spectator as one of the best restaurants for wine and dining in the country.

Joe Wojcich, founder of Tempe Camera, passed away on June 19 at age 77. He was a significant figure in Arizona's photographic community for over five decades.

Four members of the Tempe City Council were sworn into office on July 1 for four-year terms. Information about reaching them is available at tempe.gov/elected.

The City of Tempe is seeking an IT Supervisor to oversee staff and projects. Details about the position can be found at tempe.gov/jobs.

Upcoming events in Tempe include:

- Board Games Mix and Mingle: July 8

- Splish Splash Party: July 11

- Summer Scares Adult Reading Group: July 9

- Noise Makers & Back-to-School Celebration: July 13

- Tempe Time Machine: July 10

- Comedy Open Mic: July 14

For more details or changes regarding these events, residents can update their preferences or unsubscribe from communications from the City of Tempe.