As summer approaches and temperatures go up, I’d like to remind you of some everyday habits that make a difference: using water efficiently, protecting our waterways and participating in …
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Chris Judd: District 6 Newsletter — May 2024
Posted
Surprise District 6 City Councilmember Chris Judd.
City of Surprise
Surprise City Council District 6 map.
City of Surprise
By Chris Judd
As summer approaches and temperatures go up, I’d like to remind you of some everyday habits that make a difference: using water efficiently, protecting our waterways and participating in recycling and organics collection programs. Last month, we celebrated White Tank Wild Day. Wild Day showcases the many ways in which the White Tank Mountain Conservancy is preserving and protecting the mountain range through volunteer activities, wildfire and plant life conservation, and more long-term planning like the future wildlife corridor on the west side of the range. Learn more about the White Tank Mountains.
NEWS & UPDATES
Heat Relief Network
This week Arizona recognizes Heat Awareness Week, dedicated to raising awareness about heat risk, promoting indoor and outdoor heat safety and encouraging those at greater risk of serious illness or death to connect to cooling centers and other resources.
The Heat Relief Network is a regional partnership of the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG), municipalities, nonprofit organizations, the faith-based community and businesses. Each year, MAG coordinates the mapping of the Heat Relief Network, a network of partners providing hydration stations, refuge locations and water donation sites throughout the Valley with the goal of preventing heat-related illnesses and deaths among vulnerable populations. For more information, visit Heat Relief Network - Maricopa Association of Governments (azmag.gov)
Memorial Day Closures
City of Surprise administrative offices will be closed on Monday, May 27, in observance of Memorial Day. City of Surprise trash and recycling customers ONLY are reminded there will be a modified trash collection schedule that week, postponing collection by one day.
Call for Artists – Basketball Mural
The City of Surprise invites Arizona-based artists or artist teams to submit qualifications to create a basketball court mural at the community pool and park currently under construction at Perryville and Cactus roads. West Valley artists are strongly encouraged to apply for this $25,000 award by June 3. To apply visit the City of Surprise Artist Calls page.
Surprise Public Library Survey
Help us shape the future of the Surprise Public Library System. Take our survey through June 3, and share your thoughts on collections, programs and more. Your feedback matters!
High School Diploma Program
The Surprise Public Library System is offering Arizona residents aged 21 years or older a second chance at earning a high school diploma through Gale Presents: Excel Adult High School, an approved facilitator of the Arizona Adult Workforce Diploma Program. It’s designed to help adults obtain their high school diploma entirely online, as well as prepare them for college or the workplace. Learn more and enroll.
Safe Speeds Saves Lives
Creating safer streets starts with addressing speed, which is the largest cause of injury and death in traffic collisions. The “Safe Speeds Save Lives” campaign is delivering high-visibility traffic enforcement with a zero-tolerance approach towards speeding and aggressive driving on West Valley roadways. The enforcement mobilization is in effect through July 31, 2024.
Voting Information
Find important voting information, like where to vote and important dates to remember for the upcoming election! Ballots for the Primary Election will be mailed beginning Wednesday, July 3. In-person early voting will begin July 3 at City Hall – Community Room and will continue through Election Day, July 30.
CURRENT EVENTS
Surprise Safety Splash
Bring the family to Surprise Safety Splash on Saturday, May 18, for a free event focused on water and summer safety. Enjoy rescue demos, fire trucks, police and SWAT vehicles, games, raffles, prizes, swim evaluations and more! The pool and water slides will be open for families to enjoy and swim during the event. There will also be burgers and dogs sponsored by the Surprise Firefighter Charities. This event will be at the Surprise Aquatic Center, 15831 N. Bullard Ave., from 5 - 8 p.m. and is brought to you by the City of Surprise Aquatics Division in partnership with the Surprise Fire-Medical and Police departments, and Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center. For more information regarding Surprise Safety Splash, swim lesson assessments or swim team tryouts, head to surpriseaz.gov/Aquatics or call 623.222.2000.
The City has many ways you can enjoy the arts and culture scene in our community. From theater performances, gallery tours, poetry readings and more, there is something for you to explore!
*AZ Speaks - “Dr. Pearl Tang: Path Breaker in Public Health” by Dr. Mary Melcher
May 22 • 11 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Surprise City Hall Art Gallery • 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday - Friday
Charter Schools Exhibit | Runs through May 17
Chuck Kyle Photography Exhibit | May 24 - July 26
Join us to assist with sorting bulk food items, creating food baskets and loading food into vehicles; helping in the process of providing food for families in need. Registration is required through St. Mary’s Foodbank. For questions about this event, please call 623.222.1647
Wednesday, May 15, at 7:15 a.m., 9:45 a.m. or 12:00 p.m.
St. Mary’s Food Bank
13050 W. Elm St.
Fishing at Surprise Lake
Did you know the Game and Fish Department keeps our community lake filled with catfish and trout most of the year? This is an excellent time to get outside and go fishing at our local lake. A fishing license is required for anyone aged 10 and up. A youth license is only $5 for the entire year and is available up to age 18. Licenses are available at azgfd.gov.
Fish will be stocked into Surprise Lake (Bullard Ave. / Paradise Ln.) from May 13 -17.
Stockings will occur randomly Monday through Saturday during the week indicated. Due to extreme heat conditions every summer, there are no fish stockings between June 25 and September 15.
5,300 Surprise residents and 600 youth have selected their most-wanted retailers and restaurants - as well as their local favorites - for 2024! The next step? The Surprise Economic Development team is enlisting the help of the Surprise Marketing & Communications team and Mayor Skip Hall (and “deputy mayor” Bella, his pup!) to film a congratulatory video to share with the most-wanted retailers and restaurants! Staff will also aim to meet with most-wanted business representatives at the upcoming International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) conference coming up in May in Las Vegas! For years the results of the Surprise Retail Survey have helped guide the City’s business attraction strategy and have been instrumental in bringing most-wanted businesses such as Hobby Lobby, Portillo’s (now open!) and American Furniture Warehouse, all of which are currently under development or open in Surprise.
Local retail and restaurant favorites will receive a fun decal, certificate and a social media post – but most importantly, they will get bragging rights!
MOST-WANTED (citywide)
Retailers:
#1: IKEA
#2: Whole Foods
#3: Joann Fabrics
#4: At Home
#5: Nordstrom Rack
Retailers:
#1: Son Glow Boutique*
#2: Karen’s Hallmark
#3: The Boyer Bakery
#4: Spencer’s Place
#5: Just Be Youtiful*
Restaurants:
#1: Rio Mirage Café
#2: Bonfire Craft Kitchen & Tap house
#3: Vogue Bistro
#4: Don Ruben’s Mexican Restaurant
#5: Angry Crab Shack
*Some unfortunate news to share: Son Glow’s ownership has let us know they are closing due to personal circumstances. We wish to acknowledge that they were repeatedly a local favorite retail business and they will be missed. The silver lining is that the owner of Just Be Youtiful has stepped in and purchased their remaining inventory – and is scouting expansion opportunities in Surprise. Stay tuned!
Restaurants:
#1: Raising Cane’s (second location)
#2: The Cheesecake Factory
#3: El Pollo Loco
#4: BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse
#5: Zaxby’s
To see the Top 10 from each category as well as demographic information based on survey responses, head to surpriseaz.gov/RetailSurvey
Mountain Mike’s Pizza
The City is thrilled to announce the grand opening and ribbon cutting of Mountain Mike’s Pizza, located at 13736 W. Bell Rd. On Wednesday, April 3, Mayor Hall and I celebrated this special occasion with the Mountain Mike's Pizza team. To further celebrate its grand opening, Mountain Mike’s Pizza generously donated 100% of sales from 3 - 7 p.m. that day to the WINDY25 Memorial Fund. This organization, affiliated with the US Army F/159th Aviation Regiment, pays tribute to the sacrifices of heroes, allowing their families to come together and commemorate the enduring legacy of their loved ones' lives. Way to open with a bang!
Walmart Neighborhood Market Re-Grand Opening
Mayor Hall and I had the honor of celebrating the Walmart Neighborhood Market re-grand opening on Friday, April 5, with the amazing Walmart Surprise Market team! The beautifully remodeled store complete with a new name, "Walmart Surprise Market," and custom mural was the backdrop to the festivities and ceremonial ribbon cutting! This amazing team generously presented community donations to Billy’s Place for $1,000 and Western Peaks PTSA for $500. Huge shout out and thanks to the talented Dysart Unified School District Valley Vista High School Monsoon cheer team, spirit line pom and marching band, who brought fantastic entertainment to this very special occasion!
Level Crossing Phase 3 Groundbreaking
It was a privilege to celebrate the groundbreaking of the newest addition at Surprise Railplex, Level Crossing Phase 3! With an estimated completion of the first quarter of 2025, the masterplan industrial development of 150,000+ square feet will be able to accommodate a diverse business base such as heavy manufacturing, distribution/logistics or sustainable industries. Welcome to the Railplex Level Crossing Building 3, we wish you a safe and speedy build!
APRIL HIGHLIGHT
Founders Day
It was an incredible day on Saturday, April 13, at Founders Day. A special thank you to the dedicated members of the Surprise Original Townsite Stakeholders Committee for a successful event. Thank you for your hard work and commitment to making this ongoing tradition possible!
SAVE THE DATE
Summer Reading Kickoff Party
It is the kickoff to summer reading! Join us on Sunday, June 1, at 10 a.m. at Surprise Regional Library. We will have axe throwing, performers, games, prizes, food trucks and karaoke! Your adventure begins this summer at the Surprise Public Library. Don’t forget to pre-register for the Summer Reading Program for your chance to earn prizes and enter raffles!
Community Meetings
Wednesday, May 15, at 6 p.m. at Tap House Sports Grill - 13699 N. Litchfield Rd.
Let's discuss the latest City issues and answer any questions you may have. Please check my webpage at surpriseaz.gov/District6 for updates to my meeting schedule.
