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Chris Judd: District 6 Newsletter — April 2024
Posted
Surprise District 6 City Councilmember Chris Judd.
City of Surprise
Surprise City Council District 6 map.
City of Surprise
By Chris Judd
That’s a wrap, folks! Spring Training has come and gone; we tip our baseball caps to another successful season behind us! Summer is looming over the horizon, so let us soak up the beautiful weather while we still can. Take advantage of patio or outdoor dining options in Marley Park and throughout Surprise by checking out our Restaurant Guide.
NEWS & UPDATES
Streets Update
Cholla Crossings
A study is currently underway to evaluate intersections along Cholla Street at both Reems Road and Sarival Road for safety improvements. The study has identified that crosswalk signage flashers and variable speed limit zones would be an appropriate first step to improve safety for pedestrians at those intersections. While the intersections do not have the traffic volumes to warrant installation of traffic signals, the aforementioned improvements will help until a time when the qualifications for traffic signals can be met. The study should be completed by the end of spring, and equipment will be ordered. Installation will take place over the summer to be ready for the start of the next school year in May.
Reems and Olive Closure (Maricopa County Project)
In speaking with Maricopa County, the current traffic control plan for the closure of Reems Road was approved through the beginning of May. Maricopa County has reported that the project has experienced some delays and there is still some existing work to be completed that will require the closure to be extended past the original opening date.
“Safe Speeds Save Lives”
In an effort to save lives on our roadways, West Valley law enforcement agencies created a West Valley Speed and Aggressive Driver Task Force. It will focus on enforcing Arizona’s speed and aggressive driver laws and will also produce a “Safe Speeds Save Lives” traffic enforcement campaign.
Despite widespread efforts to educate drivers about the importance of safe speeds, motor vehicle collisions continue to be the leading cause of death and serious injuries in Arizona. The “Safe Speeds Save Lives” campaign will deliver high-visibility traffic enforcement with a zero-tolerance approach towards speeding and aggressive driving on West Valley roadways.
The enforcement mobilization is in effect through July 31, 2024.
Participating agencies include:
Arizona Department of Public Safety
Avondale Police Department
Buckeye Police Department
El Mirage Police Department
Glendale Police Department
Goodyear Police Department
Maricopa County Sheriff's Office
Peoria Police Department
Surprise Police Department
CURRENT EVENTS
Surprise Founders Day Event
The Surprise Original Townsite Stakeholders Committee, in partnership with the City of Surprise, is bringing back Founder’s Day to the Original Townsite, a long-time celebrated tradition that occurred from 1970 through 1990. This Event will take place on Saturday, April 13at 2:30 p.m. at Bi-Centennial Park, 16705 N. Nash Street.
The route of the parade will start at the Senior Center, North to Paradise Lane, West to Nash Street, then North to where the event is taking place. Activities will include recognition of longest tenured residents, food booths (items for sale), car show, games and prizes for the kids, resident softball game, and so much more!
We hope you join us in celebrating our heritage and traditions of the oldest section of our City. For more information, please call Sherry Simmons Aguilar at 602.319.5008 or email otschair@gmail.com.
Surprise Talent Show
The Surprise Talent Show is on Saturday, April 27, from 5 - 8 p.m. at the Vista Center for the Arts located at 15660 N. Parkview Pl. The Surprise Talent Show promises a night of diverse performances spanning three age groups: youth, teens and adults. Join us for a night of entertainment that will leave you in awe! Tickets for the talent show can be purchased in advance for $5 per person or at the door for $7 per person. For information, visit surpriseaz.gov/SurpriseRec or contact us at 623.222.2000.
Fishing at Surprise Lake
Did you know the Game and Fish Department keeps our community lake filled with catfish and trout most of the year? This is an excellent time to get outside and go fishing at our local lake. A fishing license is required for anyone aged 10 and up. A youth license is only $5 for the entire year and is available up to age 18. Licenses are available at azgfd.gov.
Here is a schedule of when fish will be stocked into Surprise Lake (Bullard Ave. / Paradise Ln.):
• April 1 - 5
Catfish
• April 15 - 19
Catfish
• April 29 - May 3
Catfish
Stockings will occur randomly Monday through Saturday during the week indicated. Grab a friend or your kids and catch a few!
Council Meetings and Agenda
The next City Council Meeting is on Tuesday, April 16 at 6 p.m. The public is welcome to attend in person, or you can tune in on surpriseaz.gov/SurpriseTV, the Surprise City Gov Facebook page at facebook.com/CityOfSurprise or on Cox channel 11.
If you see something on the agenda that concerns you, please reach out before the meeting so I have time to address your concern. I may even ask your questions during the City Council presentation. The best way to reach me is chris.judd@surpriseaz.gov.
Community Meeting
Join me for my upcoming Community Meetings on April 6 at 9 a.m. at Total Wine & More, located at 13440 N Prasada Pkwy., and April 17 at 6 p.m. at Tap House Sports Grill, located at 13699 N. Litchfield Rd. Let's discuss the latest City issues and answer any questions you may have.
The City of Surprise is excited to announce the Community Outreach Program is now accepting applications for grant funding up to $10,000. The purpose of the program is to provide funding assistance to organizations in Surprise for programs, events and activities that enhance the overall lifestyle of the community. This City Council-led initiative was created to help support community organizations working to enhance the quality of life for Surprise residents through programming and events.
The City has many ways you can enjoy the arts and culture scene in our community. From theater performances, gallery tours, poetry readings and more, there is something for you to explore!
Registration required for events listed above. Find details and sign-up information at surpriseaz.gov/ArtEvents.
Economic Development Update
Real Thai & Sushi
Are you a lover of Thai food? Then look no further! Song Lynn Vietnamese Cuisine is now Real Thai & Sushi, a restaurant specializing in Thai street food and Thai rolls. During your visit, you will experience the perfect blend of authentic Thai flavor and fresh sushi. This updated restaurant has just recently opened at The Boulevard Surprise Pointe, located at 13749 N. Litchfield Rd., Ste. G109.
Carioca (Shell) Gas Station
At the northeast corner of Reems and Cactus roads, there is a Carioca (Shell) gas station with a convenience store currently under construction. Future commercial and retail options are planned for the remaining pads on that site, but currently there is nothing in the development process.
MARCH HIGHLIGHTS
Out of the Park Music Fest
Out of the Park Music Fest was one for the books! This festival featured local and national headlining music acts, food trucks, yard games, cornhole and more! It was truly the best way to close out the Spring Training season here in Surprise. Thank you to Sports & Tourism Director, Kendra Pettis and her team for putting on such an incredible event. Follow Out of the Park Music Fest on social media to see a wrap up of the event and be the first to know about details for next year!
Mayor Hall gave his final State of the City address on Thursday, March 28, and it was a time to celebrate the legacy we are building in Surprise! Thank you to everyone who was able to come out and celebrate with us.
If you were not able to attend the event, check out the links below.
On Monday, March 18, at the City Council Meeting, Mayor Hall issued a proclamation recognizing March 18 - 24 as Fix-A-Leak Week. The annual campaign reminds residents about the importance of checking for leaks and helps to stop more than one-trillion gallons of water wasted annually by household leaks nationwide!
