🌱 S. Mountain Park & Preserve Art + Water Services Dept. Rebates

Hey, everybody. It's Tuesday in Phoenix and I'm back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening locally.

But first, today's weather:

Brilliant sunshine. High: 88 Low: 65.

Here are the top three stories today in Phoenix:

1. This week, the Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture opened applications for artists to create a gateway project for South Mountain Park and Preserve, the city's largest park which attracts nearly one million visitors each year. The proposals must celebrate the park’s 100-year anniversary and honor its cultural importance to the Gila River Indian community, which is adjacent to the park. The project's budget is $700,000, which is inclusive of production costs, community outreach, design development, structural engineering, fabrication, and installation. Applications will be accepted through Oct. 25, with final approval by the City Council expected to take place in January 2024. (KJZZ)
2. Following record temperature highs this year, the Phoenix Water Services Department is implementing new financial incentives for locals to promote water conservation. The proposed incentives are aimed at encouraging the adoption of high-efficiency appliances and fixtures, which would ultimately save water and reduce household expenses. For example, the Water Services Department will give $75 for the purchase and installation of an EPA WaterSense-labeled toilet or smart immigration controller, which significantly reduces water usage. Additionally, single-family residential households or renters can qualify for other rebates and programs through the utility service. (KTAR.com)
3. The extreme record heat wave this summer has been overwhelming Phoenix's unhoused community, causing hundreds of injuries and deaths. Phoenix posted a record-breaking 55 days of temperatures over 110 degrees Fahrenheit this summer, and as of Sept. 12, the number of confirmed heat-associated deaths rose to 202. Circle the City, a nonprofit that operates a mobile clinic for Maricopa County’s unhoused community, has seen a significant rise in the need for their services to treat heat stroke, severe dehydration, and contact burns from the asphalt following these extreme temperatures. (Daily Independent)

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Today in Phoenix:

Tuesday, October 3

• Helping Families In Need At Palo Verde Branch Library (9:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• Banned Books Week is underway, running through Oct. 7. Join the Phoenix Public Library and exercise your freedom to read what you want, including banned or challenged books. This year’s theme is “Let Freedom Read” — the library will be sharing its Top 10 Most Challenged Books each day and at local branches, raising awareness of censorship occurring around the country and protecting the right to read. (Phoenix Public Library via Facebook)
• The Farm Express bus schedule is live for the month of October, allowing you to shop for local, fresh produce. Check out the online schedule to see its stops and to coordinate with your food shopping needs. (Phoenix Public Library via Facebook)
• Phoenix Zoo will be hosting its "Bigger Picture" event on Oct. 15 at 6:00 p.m., raising awareness about the plight of the imperiled Eurasian griffon vulture. Dr. David Eshar and Dr. Gilad Goldstein of Israel’s Safari Ramat Gan will speak at the event, and you can reserve tickets online. (Phoenix Sister Cities via Facebook)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed. See you all tomorrow for another update!

— Miranda Fraraccio

About me: Miranda Fraraccio is a staff writer for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners. She is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island, where she earned degrees in Writing & Rhetoric and Communication Studies. In her free time, you can find her traveling, drinking tea, or practicing film photography.