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City News
CITY OF PHOENIX UPDATES AND RESOURCES
By Councilwoman Thelda Williams Another city resource, phoenix.gov/ The city of Phoenix has launched a newsroom, is a great way to stay upOVER THE LAST FEW WEEKS, to-date on how the city is responding COVID-19 HAS CHANGED EVERY- to COVID-19. While essential city THING ABOUT OUR DAILY LIVES services such as 911, police, fire, water, AND THE RAPID CHANGES AND wastewater, solid waste and recycling UNCERTAINTY CAN MAKE EVERY- are fully operational, you will find DAY TASKS SEEM DIFFICULT TO updates on how other city services are NAVIGATE. impacted. There is an extensive list of how city departments have transitioned Knowing where to go for assistance and or modified operations to appropriately information is key. social distance or make services available online. new resource website, phoenix.gov/re- For those who are Head Start program sources. This site is constantly updated participants, this important education with new information and resources service for our residents hasn’t diminthat can be helpful for job seekers, busi- ished during the pandemic. The Head nesses, non-profits, locating senior and Start program provides comprehensive student meals, emergency rent, utility or education, health, nutrition and family eviction assistance, and more. The city services to poverty-level children and of Phoenix is working hard to leverage families. The good news is that local resources and maximize assistance for grantees who operate Head Start in residents. I encourage you to check the website often for the latest updates. Phoenix receive federal funding and that funding will continue to support “I HATE THE IRS!”
2019 TAX FILING DEADLINE EXTENDED TO JULY 15, 2020!
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Send documents via USPS, UPS or FedEx
If you’re not using ARP for your taxes, you’re probably leaving money on the table.
THE SECURE ACT WAS SIGNED INTO LAW DECEMBER 20TH, 2019!
Do you feel SECURE about the latest change in our tax code? Head Start students and their families through this school year. That allows staff to readjust operations and, instead of working with students on site, staff are maintaining daily contact with families remotely. Staff is also working expeditiously to acquire tablets for students so learning can continue remotely.
In addition to these resources, knowing how the city will manage its budget is helpful.
The speed of this current economic downturn caused by COVID-19 is moving at a rapid and unprecedented pace. We have gone from just weeks ago having a budget surplus projected at $28 million, to today solving a preliminary budget gap of $26 million, and that’s after already accounting for spending reductions and a hiring freeze that was implemented at the city on March 19.
Phoenix City Charter requires a balanced budget each year. The following details the schedule for city council presentations on the proposed City Manager’s Trial Budget. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there is a revised budget adoption schedule.
On April 13, the City Manager presented the 2020-21 Revised Trial Budget, focusing on the city’s proposed response efforts to the current economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 public health crisis. The city manager’s plan outlines a balanced budget for the 2020-21 fiscal year by taking responsible actions that do not cut city services or jobs.
The presentation also included an action plan for future options the city council can evaluate after the budget year begins on July 1. This is a preparation, not an action.
Based on council and community feedback, a proposed budget will be presented for review on May 5 with a council action scheduled on May 19.
Community input is a valuable part of the budget process, unfortunately due to COVID- 19 restrictions on public gatherings, all customary community budget hearings have been cancelled.
Please visit phoenix.gov/budget to view the timeline and proposed. Residents may submit comments by completing a Budget Feedback Form or by calling the Budget and Research Department at 602-262-4800.
If you have any questions or comments, contact my office at council.district.1@ phoenix.gov or call 602-262-7444.
Councilwoman Thelda Williams serves as the District 1 representative which encompasses northwest Phoenix from Northern Avenue to New River Road; and the Interstate 17 to 67th Avenue.
HOW SWEET IT IS! NEW CRUMBL COOKIES OPENS AT THE SHOPS AT NORTERRA By Michelle Talsma Everson locals can see what cookies are available at the advance notice, they can provide mini versions of shop and order to easily pick up. “It’s a really their most popular flavors for get togethers and GET YOUR SWEET TOOTH READY BECAUSE tech-savvy cookie shop,” Carlson events. A NEW CRUMBL COOKIES STORE HAS JUST says about Crumbl. OPENED UP AND IS READY TO OFFER YOU The new Crumbl Cookies shop is DELICIOUS COOKIES THROUGH CARRYOUT, With rotating flavors, located at 2450 W. Happy Valley DELIVERY, OR CURBSIDE. Carlson estimates Road, Ste. 1151, in Phoenix. The that there are more store is open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Located at The Shops at Norterra, Crumbl features than sixty cookie Monday through Thursday, and a weekly rotation of cookies, including the always flavors, so there 8 a.m. to midnight on Friday in stock milk chocolate chip and sugar cookie vari- is always some- and Saturday. It is closed on eties. In addition to those mainstays, they have six thing for every- Sunday. flavors on hand at any one point. one. “Crumbl cookies are really big, flavorful cookies “We’re open late on the weekends that are rotated each week,” says co-owner Mike In addition to their so that locals can get their late night Carlson. Along with Sydney Herring, Carlson every day offer- sweet tooth fix,” Carlson adds. brought the Crumbl location to the Norterra area. ings, Carlson notes that Crumbl is known for their To learn more, call 602-726-5008 or Crumbl Cookies has its own app, a place where catering as well. With three to four days download the Crumbl app.
HELPING NEIGHBORS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC By Jody Cohen day after her husband’s job was fur- Besides the pantry, Klooster says that loughed, and like numerous other she’s working on making an appreciaAS COVID-19 CONTINUES TO Americans in a similar situation, they tion box for nearby firefighters. She’d WREAK HAVOC AROUND THE were concerned about how they were like to donate snacks, quick meals, and WORLD, IT’S ESPECIALLY HARD TO going to provide for their family. Due to drinks, and have the neighbors write BE HOPEFUL. But a local family has her son’s asthma and a newborn baby at thank you notes. And when the crisis found a positive way to deal with this home, they can’t shop as freely as they passes, Klooster wants to work with crisis. once could. However, she realized that schools and churches in the area to crethey have what they need, while others ate a free pantry and library. Nellie Klooster, her husband and their may not. toddler son have created a neighbor- Klooster adds, “We want to send the hood “pantry” in their front yard, and In order to share with others, Klooster message to everyone that when you are the response has been very success- immediately set up one shelving unit able to share and give, to do so.” ful. Klooster says that many neigh- in their front yard and stocked it with bors have donated items in a short extra items she and her son found in Other ways you can help and share in period of time, and it has built up so their house, like canned goods and pa- your neighborhood include: shopping much that they went from one small per products, and the pantry was born. and running errands for seniors and shelving unit to two shelving units, Neighbors donate items daily and can the disabled; making masks; and bins, boxes, and a small table. Some converse with each other via Nextdoor. donating to other neighborhood donated items include: health care and com. pantries throughout the area. Some baby products, kids’ entertainment, other fun ideas include: teddy bear snacks, treats, fresh eggs, herbs, citrus, The main supporter of Klooster’s pan- sightings in front windows, painted canned goods, juices, boxed goods try is her 3-year-old son, who does most rocks in yards, and chalk sidewalk like pasta, rice, grains and cereals, of the work, along with his dad. “On drawings to view while out walking dried and canned beans and legumes, the first day, he went into his room and for exercise while practicing social books, stuffed animals, housekeeping picked out a few items he wanted to distancing. products, cat and dog food, cat litter, give,” Klooster says of her son. “Every batteries, and water. morning at 8 a.m., he helps put out the Jody Cohen is a local freelance writer pantry, and every night at 7 p.m., he and an independent licensed and Klooster says, “We want to help our helps put all of the items back in the ga- certified Medicare plans specialist and neighbors, especially those who don’t rage.” Klooster added that her son also educator who specializes in helping have access to food or don’t qualify for helped her make signs: “Neighborhood Arizona seniors and the disabled unfood banks, so that they don’t have to Pantry”; “Take what you need, Leave derstand the healthcare options availgo into the stores.” what you can” and “Have a Blessed able to them in the Medicare platform. Day” so that people can quickly iden- Jody can be contacted at jodycohen@ The neighborhood pantry started the tify the items. outlook.com or 602-326-4264. AREA FOOD BANKS & LOCAL RESOURCES Whether you are in need, or in a position to help by donating, below is a list of local resources. Be sure to contact each location for more information, including specific hours of operation.
HARVEST COMPASSION CENTER 602-788-2444 • 4744 E. Thunderbird Rd., Ste. 9 harvestcompassioncenter.org
OASIS COMMUNITY CHURCH 602-494-9557 • 15014 N. 56th St., # 1 oasisphx.com
MOM’S PANTRY 602-992-0083 • 13440 N. Cave Creek Rd. momspantryphoenix.org
ST. MARY’S FOOD BANK 602-242-3663 • 2831 N. 31st Ave. firstfoodbank.org
OPERATION CARE 602-866-0135 • 1827 W. Grovers Ave. (Located in the white building behind the church.) operationcarefoodbank.org
JOY BUS DINER 602-595-5884 • 3375 E. Shea Blvd., C1 thejoybusdiner.com/donations *Currently closed but continuing their meal delivery program to homebound cancer clients. Accepting monetary donations only at this time.
CORONAVIRUS PHOENIX BUSINESS AND RESIDENT RESOURCES phoenix.gov/resources
2-1-1 ARIZONA AGENCY STATEWIDE RESOURCES 211arizona.org/covid-19/
TELEHEALTH TIPS CONNECTED TO COVID-19 By Dr. Anne Docimo, Identify Available Resources: To Understand Likely Next Steps: Dur- care providers offering telehealth may Chief Medical Officer, find telehealth resources, check with ing a telehealth visit, care providers be currently experiencing a surge in UnitedHealthcare your care provider group, health can give general medical advice to appointments. benefit plan or employer. Nearly nine evaluate possible COVID-19 symptoms AS THE NUMBER OF COVID-19 out of 10 employers offer telehealth (fever, dry cough or difficulty breath- Access Other Health Services: While CASES CONTINUE TO MOUNT, visits to their employees, as do many ing). While diagnostic testing services elective health care procedures may be MANY ARIZONANS MAY BE CON- Medicare and Medicaid health plans are not available through a telehealth delayed to help enable care providers to SIDERING WHERE TO GO FOR (in some cases by telephone), and visit to help confirm a diagnosis for focus on COVID-19 cases, telehealth CARE IF THEY DEVELOP POTEN- 76% of hospitals connect patients and COVID-19 (if needed), care provid- may help people more effectively manTIAL SYMPTOMS. One important – care providers using video or other ers can help guide patients to a local age other health issues without the need yet potentially overlooked – resource is technology. In some cases, people care provider or public health authority to go out and risk potential exposure to telehealth, which may enable people to can access telehealth visits without for testing and follow-up care. Mak- the virus. Telehealth can help address connect 24/7 with a health care provider cost sharing. Since the outbreak ing these connections may help people myriad medical issues, including alvia a digital device and avoid potential emerged, some health plans are now take the appropriate steps in advance lergies, pinkeye, fevers, rashes and the exposure risks associated with in-per- encouraging patients to use telephone of an in-person test, which may help regular flu. In addition, so much time at son trips to health care facilities. or live videoconferencing (if available) reduce the risk of your exposure and home can also contribute to behavioral to connect people with local network possible exposure to other patients and health issues, so people should consider Telehealth may be especially helpful medical providers, waiving all cost health care providers. For other ill- telehealth as a resource to connect with as an initial option for medical advice sharing for COVID-19 related visits. nesses (not COVID-19 related) that are a qualified psychiatrist or psychologist. related to COVID-19 and to help evalu- This is especially important for people treatable with medications, telehealth Importantly, people who experience ate other possible health issues, as well with certain complex conditions, such care providers can write prescriptions a significant or serious medical issue as to assist the 20% of the U.S. popula- as diabetes or Parkinson’s disease, and discuss how to obtain them safely, should go to the emergency room. tion that lives in rural areas. To help as it may enable them to “see” their such as using medication home delivery people more effectively take advantage own physician for acute or follow- or drive-thru pickup at a local phar- By considering these tips, people in of this technology during the evolving up care related to their condition and macy. Due to the COVID-19 situation, Arizona may be able to more effectiveCOVID-19 situation, here are three tips help avoid potential exposure to the it is important to note that people may ly use telehealth resources to help stay to consider: coronavirus during an in-person visit. anticipate potential wait times, as some safe during these challenging times.
RESOURCES FOR ABUSE VICTIMS DURING COVID-19 Compiled by Michelle Talsma Everson for all of the U.S. and Canada,” shares immediate barriers keeping people in vides legally mandated victim notificaSavannah Harrelson, a spokesperson unsafe, abusive environments. They tion services as well as professional WHILE MANY ARE STAYING for the hotline. “We saw a 31 percent provide emergency cab rides, hotel level victim advocacy to misdemeanor WITHIN THEIR HOMES AND SHEL- increase in contacts to the hotline this accommodations, meals, storage and crime victims in the city of Scottsdale. TERING IN PLACE DUE TO THE March compared to March 2019, which moving companies. COVID-19 PANDEMIC, FOR SOME, is a result of the pandemic. We’ve The Childhelp National Child Abuse HOME IS THE LAST PLACE THEY received numerous calls about parental National Domestic Violence Hotline Hotline WANT TO BE. “Abuse is about power anxiety, concerns about staying at home thehotline.org/help childhelphotline.org and control. When survivors are forced with an abuser, and resource inqui- 1-800-799-7233 Calling or texting: 1-800-422-4453 to stay in the home or in close proxim- ries—all related to COVID-19.” For anyone who is experiencing do- Professional, degreed counselors offer ity to their abuser more frequently, an mestic violence, seeking resources or crisis intervention, information, and abuser can use any tool to exert control Below are some resources for victims information, or questioning unhealthy referrals to thousands of emergency, over their victim, including a national of abuse that are available during the aspects of their relationship. social service, and support resources. health concern such as COVID-19,” coronavirus epidemic. Of course, if it’s according to the National Domestic an emergency, call 911. New Life Center The Shelter Without Walls domestic Violence Hotline. “In a time where NewLifeCtr.org violence program at Jewish Family & companies may be encouraging that Chrysalis 24-hour crisis hotline: 623-932-4404 Children’s Service their employees work remotely, and the noabuse.org New Life Center is Arizona’s largest JFCSAZ.org/programs-services/domesCDC is encouraging social distancing, 24-hour crisis hotline: 602-944-4999 domestic violence shelter and serves tic-violence-victim-assistance an abuser may take advantage of an Services include: emergency shelter, more than 1,000 children and adults an- 602-452-4640 already stressful situation to gain more transitional housing, counseling, mobile nually through an emergency placement Addresses the unmet needs of Maricopa control.” victim advocacy, and more. and outreach support program. County survivors of domestic violence and their children, female or male, who And, it’s not just adult victims who Control Alt Delete Scottsdale Victim Services are residing outside of a shelter setting, suffer. “The Childhelp National Child dvcontrolaltdelete.org (contact form on ScottsdaleAZ.gov/victim-services and are struggling to attain and/or mainAbuse Hotline is headquartered here in website) 480-312-4226 tain safety and independence, whether Arizona, but it’s the child abuse hotline An organization that helps remove the The Victim Services Department pro- or not still living with their abuser.
RAINBOW RYDERS, THE NATION’S LARGEST HOT AIR BALLOON COMPANY WITH NEARLY FOUR DECADES OF BALLOONING EXPERIENCE ACROSS THE SOUTHWEST, IS HONORING FIRST RESPONDERS AND FRONT-LINE WORKERS WHO ARE HELPING THE COMMUNITY DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC WITH ITS RECENTLY LAUNCHED RAINBOW RYDERS HOPE FOR NEW HORIZONS INITIATIVE.
While the company is currently not flying hot air balloons in accordance with government recommendations in order to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and maintain the safety of its employees and customers, following the crisis the company will be providing complimentary rides to first responders, medical professionals, grocery store workers, pharmacy technicians, and other essential workers who are sacrificing their safety to assist the community during these challenging times.
“We are excited to do our part in honoring and giving back to the first responders and essential workers who are keeping our communities strong during this difficult time of the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Rainbow Ryders founder and president Scott Appleman. “We are looking forward to sharing the joy that is a great hot air balloon ride with these local heroes that will deserve it most after emerging from this challenging time.” First responders and essential workers will have the opportunity to experience the complimentary ride by entering themselves, or being nominated by someone else, into the Hope for New Horizons weekly contest. Winners of the contest will be awarded a balloon ride for themselves and a guest, valued at $450.
Additionally, Rainbow Ryders is offering significantly discounted gift cards for purchase by anyone in the community to be used following the pandemic, allowing guests to experience the oncein-a-lifetime wonder of a hot air balloon ride at a great price.
Community members can nominate deserving local heroes for the Rainbow Ryders Hope for New Horizons contest at rainbowryders.com/celebrating-theessential.
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