Phoenix Final Four Events: Know Before You Go | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/city-manager/3058 | City Manager | | 3/28/2024 11:00:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/3058/Newsroom_FInalFour_KBYG.png | | Phoenix Final Four Events: Know Before You Go | <div class="ExternalClass9B90EEF4DD6E48E6BF0C664314C598F6"><html>
<p>The City of Phoenix is excited to welcome basketball fans to explore and enjoy the excitement in and around downtown during the NCAA Men's Final Four. Whether you're a resident looking for information about the March Madness Music Festival ® at Hance Park or the Final Four Fan Fest® at the Phoenix Convention Center or a visitor heading into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, the City of Phoenix is prepared to help you enjoy a safe experience. See below for valuable <strong>Know Before You Go </strong>ideas and suggestions to make the most of your time in downtown Phoenix. Also,<a href="https://www.flowcode.com/page/welcometophx" target="_blank"> check out popular ideas on how to enjoy Phoenix</a>, including guides to food and fun in the downtown area. Visit the City's <a href="/pio/finalfour" target="_blank">Final Four home page</a> for more resources.<br></p>
<h2>Aviation<br></h2>
<p>Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is looking forward to welcoming travelers from across the country in for the NCAA Final Four festivities and are offering the following travel tips to make the customer journey as seamless as possible:</p>
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<p>Reserve your rental car in advance: Vehicles will be in high demand.</p>
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<p>Remember 5-4-3-2-1: </p>
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<p>5 hrs before departure - Check out of your hotel</p>
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<p>4 hrs before departure – Turn in your rental car</p>
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<p>3 hrs before departure – Check in at the ticket counter</p>
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<p>2 hrs before departure – Get in line at the TSA Security Checkpoint</p>
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<p>1 hr before departure – Be at your gate.</p>
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<p>Game memorabilia: Pack most of your souvenirs in your luggage EXCEPT for your game program. Carry that in your carry-on to avoid potential issues with baggage scanners.</p>
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<p>Visit <a href="http://www.skyharbor.com/" target="_blank">skyharbor.com</a> for additional travel tips.<span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;"> </span></p>
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<h2>Public Transit</h2>
<p> The Final Four fun is only a train/bus ride away! Phoenix Public Transit, in collaboration with <a href="http://www.valleymetro.org/" target="_blank">Valley Metro</a>, welcomes visitors and residents to the 2024 NCAA Final Four, and encourages all to take public transit to the festivities. For the entire Final Four weekend, the City of Phoenix is proud to support the Valley Metro's sponsored rides program. This means you can ride Light Rail for free. To take advantage of the program, follow these steps:</p>
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<p>Download the <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.valleymetro.org/how-to-ride/online-tools/app__%3b%21%21LkjWUF49MRd51_ry%21bUpbg-mZsdOxHdioZyVLcJIcgEmQ-Oofdq5-9dZMxZUQ2Egd8-_AuORTh8zrbv_g2oNLMyRaqtGDGFyeeTVRa74U$" target="_blank">Valley Metro app [valleymetro.org]</a> and create an account. The app and account are required to access the complimentary pass.</p>
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<p>Visit the <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.ncaa.com/mens-final-four/know-before-you-go__%3b%21%21LkjWUF49MRd51_ry%21bUpbg-mZsdOxHdioZyVLcJIcgEmQ-Oofdq5-9dZMxZUQ2Egd8-_AuORTh8zrbv_g2oNLMyRaqtGDGFyeeSVGJLhX$" target="_blank">'Know Before You Go' [ncaa.com]</a> section of the <a href="https://cityofphoenix-my.sharepoint.com/personal/067901_one_phoenix_gov/Documents/001-Final%20Four%202024/002_FF24_Messaging/04_PHXNewsroom_Articles/ncaa.com/mensfinalfour" target="_blank">NCAA Men's Final Four® website</a> or the <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.ncaa.com/mens-final-four/mens-final-four-app__%3b%21%21LkjWUF49MRd51_ry%21bUpbg-mZsdOxHdioZyVLcJIcgEmQ-Oofdq5-9dZMxZUQ2Egd8-_AuORTh8zrbv_g2oNLMyRaqtGDGFyeefPE4mab$" target="_blank">Official App [ncaa.com]</a>. Under 'Transportation,' click the link to access the Final Four transit pass. This link will take you back to the Valley Metro app. </p>
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<p>Complete the transaction for your complimentary Final Four transit pass.</p>
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<p>Scan the QR code at the purple fare readers before each ride. This pass is valid April 5-8 for up to four people.<br></p>
<h2>Phoenix Convention Center<br></h2>
<p>The Phoenix Convention Center is home to the Final Four Fan Fest® presented by Capital One from Friday, April 5 to Monday, April 8. Tickets are $8 for presale and $10 at the door and <a href="http://ticketmaster.com/men-s-final-four-fan-fest-tickets/artist/2070512?_gl=1%2aqz5iln%2a_gcl_au%2aMjgwMDM1NDUyLjE3MDU2MDU3NjE" target="_blank">are available at Ticketmaster</a>. </p>
<h2>Parking<br></h2>
<p>Guests are encouraged to purchase parking ahead of time as we anticipate a high demand for spaces near the Phoenix Convention Center. <a href="https://space.aceparking.com/ncaafinalfour" target="_blank">Purchase your parking via Ace Parking.</a> More information is available at the <a href="https://www.ncaa.com/mens-final-four/fan-fest#overview" target="_blank">Final Four web site</a>.</p>
<h2>Fire<br></h2>
<p> The Phoenix Fire Department wants to ensure everyone is well-prepared and informed to guarantee an enjoyable experience:</p>
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<p>Keep an eye on weather: High winds, extreme heat, or dry conditions can increase the risk of fire hazards and medical emergencies.</p>
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<p>Be prepared: Hydrate ahead of time, bring ample water, wear sunscreen, and sensible shoes.</p>
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<p>Ensure all cigarette butts and other smoking materials are safely extinguished and disposed of in designated receptacles.</p>
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<p>Keep Emergency Exits Clear and Familiarize yourself with the location of emergency exits and ensure they remain unobstructed throughout the event.</p>
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<p>Fire department services will continue to operate as usual throughout the duration of the event. This includes emergency response, fire prevention activities, and community outreach efforts. In anticipation of the increased activity and potential emergencies associated with the event, we will have extra fire department crews on duty. These additional personnel will be strategically deployed to enhance our response capacity and ensure prompt assistance if needed.</p>
<p>We are excited to welcome everyone to Phoenix for the Final Four events. Check out the official <a href="https://www.ncaa.com/mens-final-four/know-before-you-go" target="_blank">NCAA Know Before You Go web page</a> as another resource for the latest information. </p>
<h2>Police<br></h2>
<p>While in the downtown area, please watch out for heavy pedestrian traffic and Phoenix Police officers directing traffic. Some other important reminders:</p>
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<p>Plan ahead where you will park.</p>
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<p>Do not leave valuables visible in your vehicle and to lock it when you leave. </p>
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<p>Arrange a designated driver, a ride share service or take public transportation before planning to drink.</p>
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<p>If you see something suspicious, call 911 for emergencies or the non-emergency number 602-262-6151.</p>
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<p>The Phoenix Police Department is committed to continuing its 24/7 service to the residents of Phoenix. Extra staffing for Final Four events will not pull officers from the streets. </p>
<h2>Library<br></h2>
<p>As an FYI, there is an impact to accessing Burton Barr Central Library due to the March Madness Music Festival® being held in the adjacent Hance Park. The impact will affect surrounding roads and parking will be limited. If you have books and other materials to return, consider using another Phoenix Public Library location. Visit the "Plan Ahead When Visiting Burton Barr Central Library" page on <a href="http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/" target="_blank">phoenixpubliclibrary.org</a> frequently for regular updates.</p>
<h2>Parks and Recreation<br></h2>
<p>If you need a break from the Final Four fun, consider using one of the city's many parks, hiking trails, golf courses, and more. The City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department offers a wide variety of activities and programs for people of all ages and abilities. Visit Phoenix.gov/Parks to get started.</p>
<p>With hiking being one of the most popular things to do when visiting Phoenix, we want to make sure you do not become a statistic. With more than 200 people rescued from City of Phoenix desert and mountain parks and preserves – please <a href="/parks/trails/take-a-hike-do-it-right" target="_blank">follow our hiking guidelines</a> before hitting the trails.</p>
<h2>Streets<br></h2>
<p>Be mindful of road closures and restrictions to avoid traffic delays. For the latest information, visit the <a href="http://phoenix.gov/streets/street-closures" target="_blank">Phoenix Traffic Restrictions and Street Closures map</a> or use the <a href="https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/2c58012149fd4ed98115e726b6e15449" target="_blank">interactive event map</a>.</p>
<h2>Public Works<br></h2>
<p>The City's Public Works Department will deploy waste receptacles around the downtown area to support Final Four events. Look for green racks for food waste, blue racks for recyclables, and black racks for landfill items. Zero Waste Ambassadors in green shirts will be nearby to help ensure items are placed in the appropriate receptacle.</p>
<h2>Water<br></h2>
<p>The Water Services Department advises everyone to stay hydrated and eco-friendly. Utilize downtown hydration stations and bring reusable water bottles. Phoenix's tap water is safe and meets all quality standards. Keep hydrated, reduce plastic use, and check our website, <a href="http://www.phoenix.gov/water" target="_blank">Phoenix.gov/Water</a>, or social media (@PHXWater) to learn more about Phoenix Water Services. Enjoy the festivities responsibly while conserving water.<br></p>
</html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/citymanager | News | city-manager |
Brand-New 'Harvest Park' Opens in Laveen | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/parks-and-recreation/3057 | Parks and Recreation | | 3/28/2024 10:00:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/3057/Harvest-Park.png | | Brand-New 'Harvest Park' Opens in Laveen | <div class="ExternalClassE33B14731BE34BF7A380E644066DD321"><html>
<p>The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department celebrated the grand opening of Harvest Park, the first of three brand-new parks and recreational spaces planned for the Laveen area by 2025. This expansive park, spanning over 10 acres of lush greenery, promises to be a cornerstone of community strength and vitality for generations to come.<br></p>
<p>Harvest Park, located at 5400 W. Gwen St., offers a myriad of amenities tailored to the diverse interests of its residents. From a vibrant playground to two pickleball courts, a basketball court, and a unique Bank Shot™ Court, calming area, amphitheater and more, the park caters to the recreational needs of individuals of all ages and backgrounds.</p>
<p>At the heart of Harvest Park lies a poignant tribute to the rich agricultural heritage of South Phoenix. Engraved within the walking path are the five Cs of Arizona: Copper, Cotton, Cattle, Climate, and Citrus. This symbolic gesture honors the hardworking farmers and families who shaped the identity of southwest Phoenix, paying homage to their enduring legacy.</p>
<p>“I am so excited about the opening of Harvest Park – our city's 187<sup>th</sup> park," Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said. “As our community continues to grow, we're dedicating resources across the city to preserve our outdoor areas and ensure families have wonderful gathering places for decades to come."<br></p>
<p>""We are thrilled to unveil Harvest Park," Parks and Recreation Director Cynthia Aguilar said. "This park represents our continuing investment to the Laveen community and our department's dedication to providing accessible and inclusive recreational spaces.</p>
<p>The realization of Harvest Park was made possible through a $4 million investment funded by impact fees, ensuring that the community's resources were directly invested in the creation of a space that will leave a lasting impact to the surrounding community. <br></p>
</html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/parks | News | parks-and-recreation |
Firefighter 2024 Written Test Recap | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/fire/3056 | Fire | | 3/27/2024 11:00:00 PM | | https://youtu.be/XCzs2nf7yNs | Firefighter 2024 Written Test Recap | <div class="ExternalClass86B45CD6239B43A685B32CFA18345788"><html>
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For many, the dream of becoming a Phoenix firefighter will soon become a reality. On Tuesday March 26th, over 500 future Phoenix firefighters took the first step in the hiring process by completing the written test. <br><br>Applicants who successfully pass the written test will be placed on the Firefighter Recruit eligibility list by the City of Phoenix Human Resources Department. When the list is certified, it will be forwarded to the Fire Department. The Fire Department uses the eligible list to invite applicants for job interviews. <br><br>Anyone who missed this opportunity but are interested in taking a future written test are encouraged to attend the upcoming Recruitment Information Session. The next session is scheduled for April 3rd. Those with interest in the Phoenix Fire department are encouraged to follow @PHXFire on social media for additional dates and information about recruiting. A link to the April session is below:<br> <br><a target="_blank" href="https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19:meeting_MDk0ODk1ODktNjhiYS00NGQ1LTk0NTItYTNlMTlhMGFkY2Y2%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22:%2296b9695c-4f0e-42bd-8adf-ba755760346b%22%2c%22Oid%22:%22fb10487e-ac98-40d7-bf76-53187838ceec%22%7d">Join April 3 Meeting</a><br></p>
<p> <br>To learn more about recruitment for Phoenix firefighter please visit the <a target="_blank" href="/fire/employment/firefighters">careers </a>homepage. For questions regarding recruitment, please contact Phoenix Fire's Recruitment team by email <a target="_blank" href="mailto:recruitment.pfd@phoenix.gov">recruitment.pfd@phoenix.gov</a>. <br></p>
</html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/fire | Video | fire |
City of Phoenix Marks 30th Annual Employee Memorial | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/city-manager/3052 | City Manager | | 3/21/2024 5:00:00 PM | | https://youtu.be/sAwfk3GLN1k | City of Phoenix Marks 30th Annual Employee Memorial | <div class="ExternalClass8B71E4E8394849AE985C2EA63A99EFF2"><html>
<p><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:17.3333px;"><span id="ms-rterangepaste-start"></span>This year's annual City of Phoenix Employee Memorial Ceremony honored three public servants. During this celebration of life, executive city staff and some elected officials paid tribute to those employees and their families.<span id="ms-rterangepaste-end"></span></span><span id="ms-rterangepaste-end"></span><br></span></p>
</html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/citymanager | Video | city-manager |
Fallen in the Line of Duty - Officer David Lee “Star” Johnson | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/police/3051 | Police | | 3/21/2024 3:40:00 PM | | https://youtu.be/-3DKZbA0TbY | Fallen in the Line of Duty - Officer David Lee “Star” Johnson | <div class="ExternalClass5827CF38DCCB4046B6E35366734D8CFD"><html>
<p>On May 2, 1944, Phoenix Police Officer David Lee “Star" Johnson was shot and killed, making him the second Phoenix police officer to die in the line of duty. His sacrifice has never been recognized by the City as a fallen officer. As we near the 80<sup>th</sup> anniversary of his death, the City of Phoenix is now honoring Johnson for paying the ultimate price.</p><p>Johnson's story has never been widely shared by the department. Many officers have not heard of the 36-year-old from Texas and the events surrounding his death. As a result of the persistence and dedication of a few people inside the Phoenix Police Department, his story is now being shared and honor given.</p><p>Phoenix in the 1940s was a very different place than it is today, and so was the nation. The United States had just come out of the Great Depression, World War II was in full swing, and segregation was still prevalent in the country.</p><p>Johnson was an Army veteran and was one of the few African American police officers in Phoenix at the time. He had been an officer for two and a half years when he was killed and was assigned to the walking beat in Downtown Phoenix.</p><p>At that time, African American officers were restricted to working a specific area of the city. Their beat was in the area between First Street and 16<sup>th</sup> Street, Van Buren Street and Jackson Street.</p><p>The story of what happened to Johnson on the day of his death has been pieced together from various police records, court records and newspaper articles by the Phoenix Police Department Historian Sergeant Vincent Cole, and retired Phoenix Police Lieutenant Rob Settembre.</p><p>“This is a very, very complex chain of events that occurred prior to the death, during the death and even after," Cole said.</p><p>On May 2, 1944, Johnson was working with his partner, Officer Joe Davis, when they witnessed a traffic violation and stopped the vehicle near 2<sup>nd</sup> Street and Jefferson Street.</p><p>It is unknown exactly who was in the vehicle at the time of the traffic violation, but Detective Leonce “Frenchy" Navarre is known to have been on the scene and off-duty at the time of the incident. It is also documented that Davis left his partner to go into a business nearby while Johnson was working the traffic stop.</p><p>The records indicate that an argument occurred between Johnson and Navarre over the traffic stop and a ticket that Johnson was going to write for running a stop sign.</p><p>“That resulted in Navarre opening fire on Star. Star fled the area after being shot and collapsed into a nearby business. He was transported to a local hospital where he later died," shared Cole.</p><p>In the following days, Navarre was arrested and charged for the murder of Johnson.</p><p>During the trial, several witnesses were interviewed, and Navarre was quoted saying his justification for the shooting was that Johnson called him a “son of a bitch" and that he would not be treated like that from anyone. Navarre also used a derogatory term referring to Johnson's race during his testimony. The trail resulted in a hung jury. He was retried and the second trial ended with Navarre being acquitted.</p><p>After his acquittal, Navarre was allowed to return to work as a detective and was assigned to Police Headquarters, which back then was at 17 S. 2<sup>nd</sup> Street.</p><p>Davis, upset about the death of his partner and the acquittal of Navarre, confronted Navarre at Headquarters. Davis shot and killed Navarre.</p><p>Like Navarre, there is a hung jury for Davis' first trial. At the second trial, Davis was found guilty of manslaughter. He served a few years in prison and was released on parole.</p><p>“This happened 80 years ago, and it took a lot of digging to put the pieces of the puzzle together, but once we were able to successfully do that, this is the right thing for us to do," said Cole.</p><p>This spring, Johnson will finally be recognized on both a local and national level.</p><p>Settembre and Cole devoted many hours over the years researching and putting the pieces of the puzzle together. They attempted a number of times to get him recognized as a fallen officer, with no luck, until now. The pair was able to get Johnson recognized as a fallen officer by both the City of Phoenix and the <a target="_blank" href="https://nleomf.org/memorial/">National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial</a>.</p><p>Cole shared that it would not have been possible without the help of Executive Assistant Chief Sean Connolly, Executive Assistant Chief Derek Elmore, Commander Shane Disotell and Commander Gabe Lopez for their assistance in research and their support of getting Cole the opportunity to present Johnson's story to Interim Police Chief Michael Sullivan. </p><p>“When I heard the story and got a full brief, I knew that we had to do the right thing because there is never a wrong time to do the right thing," said Sullivan.</p><p>Settembre had previously gotten Johnson recognized at the state level and his name added to the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.azag.gov/criminal/law-enforcement/pomb/list">Peace Officer Memorial</a> outside of the State Capitol in Wesley Bolin Plaza.</p><p>“Officer Johnson has been recognized for a number of years at the state level, but I think it is very important that we enshrine his name in Washington D.C. so that the rest of the nation knows about this story," Sullivan said.</p><p>On March 21, 2024, the City of Phoenix added Johnson's name on the Employee Memorial Wall located outside of City Hall, 200 W. Washington Street.</p><p>The Phoenix Police Department will honor him on April 30, 2024, for the first time during the 11<sup>th</sup> Annual Phoenix Police Officer Memorial. And on May 2, 2024, the 80<sup>th</sup> anniversary of this death, the police department will unveil a historical marker near the location the shooting, 219 E. Jefferson Street. </p><p>In May, Johnson's name is being added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial wall in Washington D.C. during National Police Week. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.policeweek.org/">Police Week</a> is the week that May 15, Peace Officers Memorial Day, falls in and is a week of events that honor those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.</p><p>The <a target="_blank" href="https://phoenixpolicemuseum.org/">Phoenix Police Museum</a> will also be adding Johnson to their memorial wall, an event is still being planned for the unveiling.</p><p>Johnson was single at the time of his death and unfortunately, no familial connection has been found to represent him during these events. At the time of his death, he was survived by an aunt and uncle.</p><p>Please follow along on the Phoenix Police Department's social media channels, @phoenixpolice, as Johnson is being honored during the various events this spring.<br></p>
</html></div> | https://phoenix.gov/police | Video | police |