Lake Pleasant Parkway Opening
The opening of the new Parkway is getting very close!  In a continuing effort to provide more transportation routes to ease congestion in the Mesquite District, this curve in the Parkway will shorten drive times for many residents.  With a scheduled opening in early February, the Parkway will provide much needed relief for our city.  Make sure you take the time to appreciate the beautiful landscaping and art walls in the median beginning at 83rd Avenue. 

Construction update for City of Phoenix project- 67th Ave & Happy Valley
There has been a delay in the opening of the new lanes north of Happy Valley, work that is being completed by the City of Phoenix.  The curb poured by one of the vendors on the northeast side has to replaced which has caused another delay in construction completion.  My office is in contact with Phoenix directly and will continue to update you on the status of this project and provide an opening date as soon as possible.

Shop with a Cop
Have you seen the wonderful pictures from this event on our website?  If not, click here to see the amazing faces of these children as they selected gifts for themselves and their families.  Each child was selected by a school nurse or similar person as a child that could benefit from this program.  Approximately 50 children were given the opportunity to shop at SuperTarget at Lake Pleasant Parkway and Happy Valley Road.  In addition, each child was treated to breakfast at Chick-Fil-A before riding to Target in a squad car, complete with flashing lights and sirens.  What a wonderful experience!  Volunteers wrapped all of the gifts while the children played on moon bounces and enjoyed lunch from Dave's Barbeque.  Thank you to the Peoria Police Department, Officers Jim Cousins and Charles Kunde for making this a wonderful day!  A special thanks to all of our sponsors for their generous support.

Recycling news is good!
November was the first full month of collection for recycling and the results were very good.  We expected 15% of our refuse to be diverted to recycling and happily that rate was 21% for November.  In March a pilot green-waste program is being recommended, in response to suggestions from our citizens.  The program is successful and we are well on our way to joining a growing number of cities who are taking responsibility for their part in the future of our environment and its preservation.  Thanks to all of the wonderful citizens and Mesquite residents for participating in the program!

Car Seat Safety Inspection
Did you know 4 out of 5 car seats are installed incorrectly? The Peoria Police, in cooperation with Channel 12 and Safe Kids Maricopa County, will inspect your car seat free of charge at the Peoria Sports Complex.  Join us in the east parking lot off of Paradise Lane from 8:00-11:00 a.m. and know that your child is safe while you drive.

Teen Driving Clinic
Would you like to make your teen a safer driver?  Channel 12 is a supporter of the National Defensive Driving Academy.  This is a five hour clinic that provides valuable education for your teen before they venture out on the road.  Many insurance companies offer discounts for defensive driving courses, too.  For more information or to register your teen, click here.