| Councilwoman Yassamin Ansari Tests Positive for COVID-19, Urges Community To Take Necessary Precautions | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/district-7/2199 | | City Council District 7 | 1/7/2022 9:30:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2199/Newsroom_Council_News_07.jpg | | Councilwoman Yassamin Ansari Tests Positive for COVID-19, Urges Community To Take Necessary Precautions | <div class="ExternalClass2E06731C74D04FF0B4656065E67DB0C6"><html>
“Current COVID-19 case numbers show that the omicron variant is running rampant — even among vaccinated residents. I am luckily fully vaccinated, boosted and only experiencing mild symptoms at this time.<br><br>My office also instated a work from home policy as early as Dec. 27 when medical professionals warned us of what was to come.<br><br>I'd urge every resident to continue to get tested regularly, vaccinated if they haven't so already, and upgrade their masks to a KN95 as scientists have encouraged.<br><br>Our city is also working to help make preventative efforts more affordable and accessible by providing 'Combating COVID Kits' to residents which will include rapid at-home tests, city resources and more.<br><br>These are efforts I'm proud to champion and will continue to do so in our collective fight against COVID-19."<br>
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| Phoenix Celebrates Completion of 3rd and 5th Ave. Improvements | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/district-7/2168 | | City Council District 7 | 12/10/2021 9:00:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2168/3rd Avenue two-way bike lane ribbon cutting.jpg | | Phoenix Celebrates Completion of 3rd and 5th Ave. Improvements | <div class="ExternalClass71F72297D35D4B308D14690BABA854A2"><html>
<p>Phoenix District 7 Councilwoman Yassamin Ansari joined community members and city staff on Friday morning to celebrate the recent completion of the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.phoenix.gov/streets/3rdAnd5thAvenues">3rd and 5th Avenues Improvement Project</a>.</p>
<p>The group gathered near 3rd Avenue and Latham Street to hear remarks from the Councilwoman and Street Transportation Department Director Kini Knudson, and participate in a ceremonial ribbon cutting for the city's first two-way protected bicycle lane that runs along 3rd Avenue from Roosevelt Street to McDowell Road. Many of those in attendance rode their bikes to the event.<br></p>
<p>“It is an exciting day to celebrate completion of this impactful project," Councilwoman Ansari said. “It is very important for the city to continue to create safer micromobility options like this that encourage residents to walk and ride bikes, and reduce the number of cars on the roads. That is how we'll meet the city's climate and sustainability goals."<br></p>
<p>Finished in phases throughout 2021 and fully realized on November 23, the project added improved and safer bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure on both 3rd and 5th Avenues between Washington Street and McDowell Road. The project also improved traffic circulation around the downtown area by converting both roadways from one-way to two-way traffic between Washington and Roosevelt streets. Other improvements along both streets include upgraded traffic signals, landscaping enhancements, the addition of shade structures, and new pavement and roadway striping. </p>
<p>Community input and engagement helped the city's Street Transportation Department design a project that recognizes and meets the changing needs of downtown road users. The public engagement phase of the project began in 2016 with a three-day, open-house style workshop at which residents could provide feedback. Construction officially began in mid-2020.</p>
<p>A <a target="_blank" href="http://www.phoenix.gov/streets/3rdAnd5thAvenuesNorth">future project</a> on 3rd and 5th Avenues north of McDowell Road, currently in the planning phase, will continue the two-way protected bike lanes up to Thomas Road. Community engagement for that project will continue in early 2022 with another virtual public meeting.</p>
<p>Additionally, the city also is looking at options to improve bicycle safety on the other side of downtown along Fillmore Street between Central Avenue and 7th Street. A public input process for that project will begin on December 14, with <a target="_blank" href="/streets/fillmore">a virtual public meeting scheduled for 6 p.m.</a></p>
<p>To improve safety for all users of Phoenix's roadways, the Street Transportation Department is developing a <a target="_blank" href="/streets/roadsafety">Road Safety Action Plan</a> and is currently facilitating the public engagement phase of that process. Community members are encouraged to provide input that will help shape the plan by taking an <a target="_blank" href="https://live.metroquestsurvey.com/?u=kq5n5y#%21/?p=web">online interactive survey</a> that is available in English and Spanish.<br></p><br>
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| Councilwoman Ansari, Councilwoman Pastor, Superintendent Gestson to Hold Press Event with American Lung Association in Arizona on Zero-Emission School Buses | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/district-7/2143 | | City Council District 7 | 11/16/2021 11:00:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2143/Newsroom_Council_News_07.jpg | | Councilwoman Ansari, Councilwoman Pastor, Superintendent Gestson to Hold Press Event with American Lung Association in Arizona on Zero-Emission School Buses | <div class="ExternalClass9F7616A5BBF14A05B78D14EABB809040"><html>
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<td>On Thursday, Nov. 18 at 8:30am MST, <a target="_blank" href="https://action.phoenix.gov/c1.pl?adca4e744ba0caf906e33e240b78522b68f7337cdc0582281b16e512b5e87abd">American Lung Association in Arizona</a> will host a press event with Phoenix City Councilwoman Yassamin Ansari, Phoenix City Councilwoman Laura Pastor, and Phoenix Union High School District (PXU) Superintendent Dr. Chad Gestson to discuss the urgent need to transition diesel school bus fleets to zero-emission buses and the importance of securing additional federal funding for this priority. <br><br>The press event will be held against a backdrop of a made-in-America Blue Bird electric school bus, one of PXU's four electric buses. Following the event, the electric school bus will be available for photo opportunities and a brief tour. Note: Masks will be required for any person interested in participating in the tour.<br><br><a target="_blank" href="https://action.phoenix.gov/c1.pl?bb805eb77732bf8bfde5c74a24ff07efa44edb76a32300a8573671b30d713d5b">Exposure to diesel exhaust increases the risk</a> of a wide range of health outcomes including asthma attacks, cancer, and premature deaths. The impact of air pollution from school buses is especially profound in Black and Hispanic communities, who are <a target="_blank" href="https://action.phoenix.gov/c1.pl?689a27cf62c6b3f552f432dfa1a0a0430cd70484f299277fe0ea225bd3d1f9cc">exposed to disproportionately high levels of particle pollution</a>, and children from low-income communities, who are <a target="_blank" href="https://action.phoenix.gov/c1.pl?3cf3ef899f90308f53af4e3ec1714376f7061379973883994b704e0723d79934">more likely to depend on school buses.</a><br><br><a target="_blank" href="https://action.phoenix.gov/c1.pl?e5cbb19846632a31efa7a25b3b076112ebdde34a6bf21152289bd4653491b600">Recent polling</a> shows that there is broad support among Arizona voters for transitioning to zero-emission buses and reducing air pollution around children. <br><br>“Of the <a target="_blank" href="https://action.phoenix.gov/c1.pl?c4dff4d7871d7fba4f84e05716cbd103f209f92431ef65589f6fcfb1629faad1">more than 480,000 school buses on the road</a> in the United States, <a target="_blank" href="https://action.phoenix.gov/c1.pl?286a6efa5cb6ab500017d071ea7e4483e7817018c535cf4ecdef0f964cd61a16">95% are currently diesel-powered</a>," <strong>said Councilwoman Ansari</strong>. “These diesel buses spew toxic emissions into the air every single day, harming our students, our communities, and our planet. By transitioning to zero-emission buses, we can create a healthier, more sustainable future for every Phoenix resident. We've got the technology to make this critical shift -- but we need the funding to make it happen."<br><br>“Ensuring students have a safe and healthy way to get to school is critical," <strong>said Councilwoman Pastor</strong>. “When young people breathe in polluted air, it impacts their physical health, which in turn impacts their ability to be present and engaged in school. In fact, research has shown that exposure to air pollution as a pre-teen and teenager <a target="_blank" href="https://action.phoenix.gov/c1.pl?782c819f0faa0315a3aacd38daea8fd9a29a4695c23ef9d81f75e862abfcc6bf">may adversely impact performance IQ</a>. Air pollution also disproportionately impacts students of color and low-income students. Transitioning to electric buses will allow us to tackle health disparities and make progress on combating the climate crisis -- it's a win-win."<br><br>“Providing clean, zero-emission school buses will impact the over 100,000 students and families within the Phoenix Union footprint," <strong>said Superintendent Gestson</strong>. “I'm encouraged to see that the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act includes $2.5 billion for electric school buses. Phoenix Union has added four electric buses to our fleet since 2019. We have reduced maintenance costs, fuel costs, and greenhouse gas emissions, but we must do more." <br><br>“The health impacts of diesel bus pollution are significant," said<strong> JoAnna Strother, Senior Director of Advocacy for the American Lung Association in Arizona</strong>. “Children's brains and respiratory systems are especially vulnerable to the toxics in diesel exhaust, and studies show that <a target="_blank" href="https://action.phoenix.gov/c1.pl?9e4d7272afa8cead90a54f9690d4891a830392b9ab989cdfad77d17aba4b54de">exposure to air pollution negatively impacts children's lung function</a>. Every student should be able to get to school without inhaling dangerous exhaust fumes. The health community in Arizona stands ready to help make this transition. It's now up to Congress to provide the necessary funding."<br><br><strong>WHO: </strong><br><br><ul><li><strong>Yassamin Ansari</strong>, Phoenix City Councilwoman - District 7</li><li><strong>Laura Pastor</strong>, Phoenix City Councilwoman - District 4; Member of Phoenix Union High School District Governing Board</li><li><strong>Dr. Chad Gestson</strong>, Superintendent of the Phoenix Union High School District</li><li><strong>JoAnna Strother</strong>, Senior Director of Advocacy, American Lung Association in Arizona</li></ul><strong>WHEN:</strong> Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021, 8:30am-9:30am MST<br><br><strong>WHERE:</strong> Cesar Chavez High School, 3921 W Baseline Road, Laveen, AZ 85339<br><br><strong><em>Members of the media are asked to RSVP to Maria Lopez at </em></strong><a target="_blank" href="mailto:maria.lopez@phoenix.gov"><strong><em>maria.lopez@phoenix.gov</em></strong></a><strong><em>.</em></strong><br><br><strong>SPEAKER BIOS:</strong><br><br><strong>Yassamin Ansari, Phoenix City Councilwoman - District 7</strong><br><br>Councilwoman Yassamin Ansari has represented District 7 on the Phoenix City Council since April of 2021. She is the youngest woman ever elected in Phoenix City Council history and the first Iranian-American elected to public office in the state of Arizona. She is an Arizona native, daughter of immigrants, and a graduate of Stanford and Cambridge universities. Councilwoman Ansari dedicated her career to finding solutions to critical issues such as climate change, air pollution and public health, most recently as a senior policy advisor at the United Nations. In 2020, her policy work received recognition when she was named to the Forbes '30 under 30' list in Law and Policy.<br><br>Councilwoman Ansari is leading electrification efforts at the City of Phoenix and is the chair of the Mayor's Electric Vehicle Ad-Hoc Committee. More info: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.phoenix.gov/sustainability/electric-vehicles">www.phoenix.gov/sustainability/electric-vehicles</a><br><br><strong>Laura Pastor, Phoenix City Councilwoman - District 4; Member of Phoenix Union High School District Governing Board</strong><br><br>Councilwoman Laura Pastor has represented District 4 on the Phoenix City Council since 2013. She is also a current member of the Phoenix Union High School District Governing Board. A Phoenix native and a fifth-generation Arizonan, Councilwoman Pastor received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Arizona State University and a Master of Public Administration Degree from City University of New York. Councilwoman Pastor was previously a classroom teacher in the Roosevelt and Isaac Elementary School Districts and the Director of Early Outreach at South Mountain Community College and Phoenix College. She currently works as the Community Liaison at Phoenix College. Councilwoman Pastor is the current chair of the Phoenix City Council Economic Development Subcommittee and serves on the Transportation, Infrastructure, and Planning Subcommittee.<br><br><strong>Dr. Chad Gestson, Superintendent of the Phoenix Union High School District</strong><br><br>Dr. Chad E. Gestson has served as Superintendent of the Phoenix Union High School District since the fall of 2015. Prior to being named Superintendent, Gestson was the district's Director of Leadership. He had previously spent five years as the principal of Camelback High School. Before joining Phoenix Union in 2009, Gestson served as an elementary school assistant principal and as a middle school principal. Gestson holds a B.A. in English from the University of Washington, an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from ASU, and an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from NAU. In 2009, he completed his Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from NAU where he was named the Outstanding Doctoral Student of the Year. In 2019, he published his first book, BEFORE Teaching and Learning, a turnaround guide for school leaders.<br><br><strong>JoAnna Strother, Senior Director of Advocacy, American Lung Association in Arizona</strong><br><br>JoAnna Strother currently serves as the Senior Director of Advocacy for the American Lung Association, where she implements strategic and tactical planning for the seven-state region of <br><br>Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Texas, Oklahoma and Utah. Prior to being named Senior Director of Advocacy, Strother served as the American Lung Association's Director of Programs in New Mexico, where she oversaw and provided strategic direction on New Mexico's lung health and tobacco programs. Strother received her B.S. in Health Education and Community Health from the University of New Mexico. In 2009, she was a fellow in the Robert Wood Johnson Ladder to Leadership program.<br><br>###<br><br><strong>About the American Lung Association</strong><br><br>The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families; and to create a tobacco-free future. For more information about the American Lung Association, a holder of the coveted 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and a Gold-Level GuideStar Member, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: <a target="_blank" href="https://action.phoenix.gov/c1.pl?adca4e744ba0caf906e33e240b78522b68f7337cdc0582281b16e512b5e87abd">Lung.org.</a><br></td>
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