PHX Newsroom: City of Phoenix Arizona News & Videos

City Mourns Loss of Officer Zane Coolidge, Shot in the Line of Duty

https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/police/3207

Police

9/7/2024 12:00:00 AM

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City Mourns Loss of Officer Zane Coolidge, Shot in the Line of Duty

<div class="ExternalClass60FC896EB4684CEB89F7E0C4E5CEDDDB"><html> <div> With deep sadness and a heavy heart, Interim Phoenix Police Chief Michael Sullivan announced the passing of Officer Zane Coolidge, shot and killed in the line of duty while responding to a call. </div> <div> “Officer Coolidge’s family is dealing with unimaginable grief. We will do everything we can to help them through their darkest hours, and we pledge that they will always be a part of the Phoenix Police Family. I ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers,” Chief Sullivan said when sharing with the community the news of Officer Coolidge’s death. </div> <div> Officer Coolidge was a husband, father, son, brother, friend, and a dedicated and beloved member of the Phoenix Police Department. </div> <div> “I am devastated by the tragic loss of Officer Zane Coolidge, who lost his life while keeping the rest of us safe from harm,” said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. “I know that our entire community is mourning this loss, and on behalf of the City, I extend my deepest condolences to Officer Coolidge’s family and friends, and his brothers and sisters in the Phoenix Police Department.  We will forever honor and remember his bravery and selfless service to our community.” </div> <div> On Tuesday evening, Officer Coolidge was with Officer Matthew Haney when they responded to a call of a man trying to break into a vehicle near 16th Street and McDowell. When they approached the man, he ran off, firing at the officers, hitting them both. The officers were rushed to the hospital, while others responded and took the suspect into custody. </div> <div> Officer Haney was released from the hospital the next day, protected from more serious injury by his ballistic vest. </div> <div> “Officer Coolidge has been surrounded by loved ones and blanketed in the prayers of this community since Tuesday night’s shooting,” said Chief Sullivan. “The injuries he sustained after the cowardly acts of another were too much for him to overcome. His legacy will forever be a part of the Phoenix Police Department.” </div> <div> Officer Coolidge served five years with the Phoenix Police Department. He represents the best of the Department, working as a certified Field Training Officer in the Mountain View Precinct, training those who have just graduated the academy. </div> <div> “This is a sad day for the City of Phoenix as we mourn the loss of one of our own,” said City Manager Jeff Barton. “Our hearts go out to the family of Officer Coolidge. Our City grieves with you. Your husband, brother, son and father died a hero, unselfishly sacrificing his life to fulfill his duty to protect and serve.” </div> <div> Details on services to honor Officer Coolidge will be released at a future date. </div> </html></div>

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South Mountain Environmental Education Center Name Changes to ‘Visitor Center’

https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/parks-and-recreation/3206

Parks and Recreation

9/5/2024 8:30:00 PM

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South Mountain Environmental Education Center Name Changes to ‘Visitor Center’

<div class="ExternalClass3AEA6F5B8C7E45F7AB2120C1604FA4A6"><html> The City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department has announced a change in the name of the South Mountain Environmental Education Center. The center will now be known as the South Mountain Visitor Center. This change is part of a larger effort to enhance the visitor experience at one of Phoenix's most beloved outdoor destinations. The name changed was approved Thursday evening during Thursday's Parks and Recreation Board meeting. "The decision to change the name of the center was made to better reflect its purpose as a hub for visitors to South Mountain Park and Preserve," Parks Board Chair Kelly Dalton said. “We want to make it clear that this center serves as a welcoming space for all who come to enjoy this beautiful park." In addition to the name change, the South Mountain Visitor Center is currently undergoing renovations. These renovations will include upgraded exhibits that tell the story of South Mountain Park and Preserve. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the history of this unique desert environment. "We are excited about these changes and believe they will greatly enhance the visitor experience at South Mountain Park and Preserve," said Parks and Recreation Director Cynthia Aguilar. “Our goal is to create an engaging and informative space where visitors can learn about this incredible natural resource while also enjoying all that it has to offer." In anticipation of the reopening celebration to mark 100 years of City stewardship, the South Mountain Visitor Center will reopen on November 8, 2024. </html></div>

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Parks & Rec

S’edav Va’aki Museum Launches New Teen Volunteer Initiative

https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/sedav-vaaki-museum/3205

S’edav Va’aki Museum

9/3/2024 11:00:00 PM

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S’edav Va’aki Museum Launches New Teen Volunteer Initiative

<div class="ExternalClass10394B0F812544BA913A7CDCDCC72DC1"><html> The S'edav Va'aki Museum is excited to announce the launch of the new Teen Volunteer Program, which will recruit high school-aged students (14-17) interested in gaining professional development at a cultural institution. The museum invites teens to apply as the applications open on Tuesday, September 3, 2024. Led by the Museum's current AmeriCorps VISTA, the Teen Volunteers will gain hands-on experience by engaging with the public and spreading knowledge concerning topics about the Ancestral Sonoran Desert People. Their roles include but are not limited to, initiating informative artifact interactions with visitors; assisting outdoor educational programs; and leading indoor exhibit-based activities. Returning teen volunteers will have the opportunity to gain more responsibility in higher-level educational roles. The benefits of the program focus on students' professional development. The program will satisfy both volunteer and internship graduation requirements. It will allow students to build skills and network prior to college and open new opportunities for unique letters of recommendation. Teens interested in volunteering can click the following link for the program application: <a href="https://forms.office.com/g/Skkqjn6Ybq" target="_blank"> https://forms.office.com/g/Skkqjn6Ybq </a> </html></div>

https://www.phoenix.gov/parks/arts-culture-history/sedav-vaaki

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Phoenix Parks and Recreation Launches Master Plan Program

https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/parks-and-recreation/3204

Parks and Recreation

9/3/2024 1:00:00 PM

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Phoenix Parks and Recreation Launches Master Plan Program

<div class="ExternalClassD4F347C9E53041498CBEBCCD90F0FFF7"><html> The City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department is excited to announce the launch of our master plan process, which will guide the future development and management of our City's parks and recreation facilities. This comprehensive plan will set the standard for years to come and ensure that our community's green spaces continue to thrive. One of the key components of this master plan process is public engagement. We recognize that our parks and recreation facilities are vital to the health and well-being of our community, and we want to hear from you! We are committed to gathering meaningful feedback from residents, stakeholders, and park users throughout this process.Community input will be crucial in shaping the priorities and goals for our parks system. We encourage everyone to visit parksmasterplanphx.com to learn more about how they can get involved in this important process. From surveys and public meetings to interactive workshops, there will be multiple opportunities for community members to share their thoughts on what they want to see in their neighborhood parks.In addition to public engagement, this master plan process will also focus on important issues such as water use and public safety through Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED). By incorporating sustainable practices into park design and implementing CPTED principles, we are committed to creating safe, welcoming spaces for all members of our community.“Our parks and recreation facilities touch every person in our community, providing spaces for connection, recreation, and tranquility," Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said. “Launching our master plan is a crucial step in ensuring that these amenities remain active, cared for, and accessible for future generations. We are committed to creating a plan and a vision that reflects the needs and hopes of all Phoenix residents.""Our goal is not only to create a beautiful park system but also one that meets the needs and desires of our diverse community" Parks and Recreation Director Cynthia Aguilar said. “Meaningful feedback from residents is crucial in achieving this goal."The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department is dedicated to providing exceptional parks and recreation facilities for all residents to enjoy. We look forward to working together with the community to create a master plan that reflects the needs and wants of our City. Stay tuned for updates on the master plan process at https://parksmasterplanphx.com/. </html></div>

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Parks & Rec

HUD Awards $2.5 Million Choice Neighborhoods Supplemental Grant to Phoenix’s Edison-Eastlake Neighborhood

https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/housing/3202

Housing

8/28/2024 12:45:00 AM

https://youtu.be/_S5_u4_4uB4?si=DBDRepLIRps-ui5o

HUD Awards $2.5 Million Choice Neighborhoods Supplemental Grant to Phoenix’s Edison-Eastlake Neighborhood

<div class="ExternalClass53DE1E7F47CA40B590B6C5FD796F1F33"><html>On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded a $2.5 million Choice Neighborhoods Supplemental Grant to the City of Phoenix, to continue the revitalization of the Edison-Eastlake neighborhood. The grant presentation took place in the heart of the neighborhood, at <a href="/newsroom/housing/2547" target="_blank">Soluna</a>, where City officials, community leaders, residents and HUD officials gathered to celebrate the important investment. Since being awarded a $30 million Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant in 2018, the City of Phoenix has made significant strides in transforming Edison-Eastlake into a vibrant, mixed-income community. This additional $2.5 million will support further developments, including new housing, expanded public spaces, and enhanced community services. “We're proud of the progress we've made in the Edison-Eastlake neighborhood, and we're grateful for our partnership with HUD," said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. “This grant will allow us to continue our transformative momentum, create additional housing, and invest in public spaces that people of all backgrounds can enjoy." “Edison-Eastlake is a diverse neighborhood with a rich history and is ripe for a successful redevelopment. Choice Neighborhoods grants have demonstrated that with the right support for attainable housing, the incomes of families increase. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman's support means that this community, poised for redevelopment, has the tools it needs to move forward," District 8 Councilwoman Kesha Hodge Washington said. “But housing is just one piece of the puzzle. We are deeply committed to neighborhood revitalization and beautification, priorities that our Edison-Eastlake residents have passionately voiced. This is more than just a development, it is point of pride in our history as we continue to improve the quality of life for everyone who calls this neighborhood home." Utilizing Choice Neighborhoods Grants awarded by HUD, the multi-year, comprehensive revitalization plan in Edison-Eastlake includes: <ul><li>Replacing 577 aged, obsolete public housing units with over 1,000 units of high-quality, mixed-income housing with modern amenities.</li><li>Neighborhood improvements such as new and expanded parks, open/green spaces and public art.</li><li>Additional supportive services programs at two new community centers in the neighborhood offering medical and behavioral health services, Head Start classes, and other important community resources.</li></ul>Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary (PDAS) Richard Monocchio highlighted the transformative impact of the Choice Neighborhoods program, saying, “This grant is not just about funding—it's about continuing a journey of renewal and hope for the Edison-Eastlake neighborhood. HUD is proud to partner with the City of Phoenix to ensure that every resident here has the opportunity to thrive in a safe, supportive, and vibrant community." The revitalization efforts in Edison-Eastlake are currently expected to be completed in 2027. </html></div>

https://www.phoenix.gov/housing

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Housing

Statement from Phoenix City Manager on DOJ Investigation

https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/city-manager/3201

City Manager

8/27/2024 9:45:00 PM

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Statement from Phoenix City Manager on DOJ Investigation

<div class="ExternalClass29C9CB47A9E1440FAC81AE7940AD5097"><html> Phoenix City Manager Jeff Barton released the following statement after meeting this week with the Mayor and City Council: "Just over ten weeks ago, <a href="http://www.phoenix.gov/doj" target="_blank">the Department of Justice (DOJ) released a report</a> outlining serious allegations regarding the Phoenix Police Department. Since that time, at the direction of the Mayor and City Council, dozens of staff have worked tirelessly, not only reading and studying the report but identifying, evaluating, and <a target="_blank" href="https://dojrecords.phoenix.gov/">sharing information regarding the incidents cited in the report with the community</a>. Staff conducted a thorough review and analysis of the recommended remedial measures, comparing them with what we currently have in place or in progress. A detailed project plan to address the gaps, using industry-standard best practices, is now underway. Spending this time and energy learning from the past and from others prepares us to improve the future. We look forward to collaborative conversations with the DOJ to identify a plan that works for Phoenix. The City is committed to developing a path that moves our City and its police department forward. This means showing long term and ongoing process improvement, researching and implementing best practices in policing, and holding ourselves and our employees accountable to these standards of excellence. It means improving our data collection and reporting so the community can monitor and follow our progress. Most importantly, it means building trust with all members of our community. Significant change is already underway. Under the new leadership of Interim Chief Michael Sullivan, we’ve overhauled our <a target="_blank" href="/newsroom/police/2958">Use of Force policy with community input</a> and implemented new, gold standard de-escalation training. Ideas that were once aspirational are now part of the fabric of our processes including monitoring of police investigations through the <a target="_blank" href="/accountability">Office of Accountability and Transparency</a> and civilian oversight from the soon to be seated Civilian Review Board. As noted above, an analysis of every recommendation made by the DOJ is currently underway to see where our efforts to change and improve hit the mark and where we need additional improvement to not only meet expectations but exceed them. The results of this analysis will serve as a guide to the City’s long-term path forward. I want to be sure our community knows my office, the Mayor and City Council, and the Police Chief have an unwavering commitment to sustained improvement. Phoenix can do better and will continue to do better. I will settle for nothing less."<a target="_blank" href="/policesite/Documents/DOJ/PPD_RoadtoReform_January2024.pdf" style="font-size:17.3333px;background-color:window;">Read more on the City's police reform efforts.</a> </html></div>

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Critical Incident Briefing - August 10, 2024 - 2400 W. Buckeye Rd.

https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/police/3200

Police

8/23/2024 6:00:00 PM

https://youtu.be/w9RDYrsrFUo

Critical Incident Briefing - August 10, 2024 - 2400 W. Buckeye Rd.

<div class="ExternalClass5736CB02760249CBA11B610C52A819EA"><html> WARNING: The attached video may contain strong language as well as graphic images which may be disturbing to some people. Viewer discretion is advised.The Phoenix Police Department released a Critical Incident Briefing (CIB) video that includes information, audio, video and pictures related to an officer-involved shooting (OIS) that occurred on August 10, 2024 in the area of 27th Avenue and Van Buren Street. The incident began when Phoenix police officers responded to a shots fired call in the area. The caller indicated that a man fired a handgun multiple times in the area and that he left in a white Ford Explorer. When officers arrived, they located multiple people who said that a man fired several gunshots causing some of them to scatter. The witnesses also relayed that the suspect threatened several people with a handgun. Officers learned that the suspect took off from the area in a white Ford Explorer after firing the gun. A nearby surveillance camera captured this encounter. Two officers in the area of 25th Avenue and Buckeye Road saw a vehicle matching the description of the suspect vehicle. The vehicle was in the parking lot of a nearby business. The officers pulled their marked patrol car behind the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop by turning on their overhead lights. The man inside of the vehicle opened the driver's door and one officer immediately told the man to stay in his vehicle. The man continued to get out of his vehicle and began to walk away from officers with his hands in the air. The man dropped his arms and began running from the officers east on Buckeye Road and both officers chased the man. While running, the officers saw the man reach towards his waistband and produce a handgun. That is when the officer-involved shooting occurred. Following the shooting, officers detained the man. He did not survive his injuries and died on scene. A handgun was recovered in the yard next to where the man was detained. The handgun was linked to evidence found inside the suspect vehicle. The handgun was also forensically matched the original shooting scene near 27th Avenue and Van Buren Street. The officers involved in this shooting are both assigned to the South Mountain Precinct and have approximately one and a half and three and a half years of service with the department respectively. This incident is the subject of a criminal investigation to be reviewed by the Maricopa County Attorney's Office. It is also the subject of an administrative investigation. Conclusions about whether the actions of the officers are consistent with department policy and the law will not be made until all facts are known and the investigation is complete. </html></div>

https://phoenix.gov/police

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Police

Perseverance, Hope, and the Relentless Pursuit of Justice

https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/police/3198

Police

8/22/2024 7:00:00 PM

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https://youtu.be/OolGda1jv3w

Perseverance, Hope, and the Relentless Pursuit of Justice

<div class="ExternalClass50A8FE368ADE474CAC3B173E1E48797F"><html> After 20 long years, justice may finally be within reach for the family of Elena Lasswell, a 15-year-old who was brutally murdered in 2004. Hear from one of our Cold Case Homicide Unit detectives who never gave up and the family who has fought tirelessly for answers. </html></div>

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