🌱 'Rockin For A Reason' + Hobbs' New Bill Will Cost Scottsdale $14.7M

Hello, neighbors! It's Megan Moreno, your host of the Scottsdale Patch newsletter — here to impart everything you need to know about what's happening in town. Including...

• "Rockin for a Reason" show to support seniors.
• New bill will cost Scottsdale $14.7 million in annual revenue that supports essential services and transportation.
• Save the date for Parks and Rec Rewind '80s Night.

But first, your weekend weather: It will be hot with hazy sunshine, with a high of 112 and low of 87.

Here are the top stories in Scottsdale today:

1. Students from School of Rock Gilbert and Scottsdale are hosting its annual "Rockin for a Reason" show on Sunday, Aug. 6 at 10 a.m. at Walter Studios, 747 W. Roosevelt St. The show will benefit Phoenix nonprofit Elder TLC, which distributes "meaningful gifts to low-income residents in neighboring senior care facilities." The cost is $15 at the door, and the school is asking for guests to bring donation items in need. Specific donation items include new pajamas, lounge pants, robes, and long sleeve T-shirts, as well as realistic-looking plush animals and baby dolls to help soothe those with dementia or Alzheimer's disease. (scottsdale.org)
2. Gov. Katie Hobbs signed a new bill to eliminate the rights of cities and towns to "impose a local sales tax on home and apartment rentals beginning January 2025," and Scottsdale officials estimate that the city will lose approximately $14.7 million of annual revenue as a result. Mayor David D. Ortega indicated that "eliminating the rental tax hits Scottsdale very hard," and that the revenue generated from this tax is a "critical part of how municipal governments around the state deliver essential services." About $10 million of this annual revenue goes to the general fund, which supports libraries, senior centers, parks maintenance, fire fighters, and police officers. Another $2.4 million funds transportation. (Free: NewsBreak, Subscription: Daily Independent)
3. Save the date and dust off your neon clothing! Parks and Rec Rewind '80s Night will take place on Saturday, Sept. 2 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Scottsdale Civic Center, 3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd. The free, '80s-themed family event will feature live music, a neon dance party, a vintage market, and a "retro arcade packed with classic games." There will also be a cocktail garden and food trucks. (City of Scottsdale)
4. Mark your calendars! Registration opens at 8 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 21 for the annual Dunkin' for Pumpkins. The event takes place at McDowell Mountain Ranch Aquatic Center on Sunday, Oct. 22. and costs $15 per pumpkin. Guests can select their pumpkin from the heated pool then enjoy pumpkin decorating stations and other activities. Once available, search "dunkin" at the link to register online. (City of Scottsdale)

Calling Scottsdale business owners: reach local readers, attract a crowd, and make a splash with your events this summer! We have a limited number of sponsorships available to amplify your events and increase attendance among your target audience. Click here to learn more about our sponsorships..

Tomorrow, Monday, and Tuesday in Scottsdale:

Sunday, August 6

• Western Movie Matinees: "Jews of the Wild West" at Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West. Purchase tickets online. (2:00 PM)
• "Green Day's American Idiot - an SCP Production" at Greasepaint Youtheatre & Scottsdale Community Players, 7020 E. 2nd St. (2:00 PM)

Monday, August 7

• Oh My! What is AQI? (Air Quality Index) at Arabian Library (2:00 PM - 3:00 PM)

Tuesday, August 8

• Donate Blood at Scottsdale City Hall parking lot, 3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd. (8:30 AM - 1:00 PM)
• Children's Music Concert at Arabian Library. "Jump, clap and groove along with Grammy Award Nominee Papa Hugs during this upbeat and interactive performance!" (10:15 AM - 11:15 AM)

From my notebook:

• "Our Toxicology Unit shows some of the steps they go through to analyze blood samples for DUI cases." Video at the link! (Scottsdale Police Department via Facebook)
• "Our Sports Field Reservation Office is looking for its next coordinator of field reservations and policies. The application is open until Aug. 8. Find it here: https://www.governmentjobs.com/.../recreation-leader..." (Scottsdale Parks & Recreation via Facebook)
• "Become an Old Town Ambassador!... Hear from current ambassadors what this role means to them: youtu.be/AeKBm2kKIJg. For more information or to apply, visit our website at ScottsdaleAZ.gov/old-town/ambassadors" (City of Scottsdale - Government via Facebook)
• "Mark your calendar: Scottsdale Water will soon host its Citizen Academy for 35 lucky residents. Sign-up starts Aug. 23... Learn more: ScottsdaleAZ.gov/water/citizen-academy" (City of Scottsdale - Government via Facebook)
• "Join us at 'Thriving Minds: Unlocking the Business Potential of Mental Health' — an exclusive event for business leaders. Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2-5:30 p.m. [at] The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa... Info and Registration at: https://bit.ly/44CZwET" (Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce via Facebook)
• "If your business plans to hire within the next two years & believes that students from a high school CTE program could serve as future hires, the Office of Economic Opportunity encourages you to complete the 2023 AZ Career and Technical Education Survey: https://bit.ly/3Yfy6mx" (Scottsdale Economic Development via Facebook)

Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll see you back in your inbox next week with a new update!

— Megan Moreno

About me: Dr. Megan Moreno is a registered nurse, leader, cancer survivor, wife, and mother of two. Megan loves spending time with her husband, who is an Army combat veteran, and their children exploring the beautiful city of Scottsdale.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Scottsdale Patch newsletter? Contact me at [email protected]