The Simpson Stump - December 2022

Communities Matter. Community Matters.

The holidays are rapidly approaching and with them come the flurry of events and parties. We are no different. Coming up the weekend of December 16th we have our weekend long luminary display with a hot chocolate social for the neighbors. We do this display annually for the joy it brings us and our neighbors. Over the years we've been slowly expanding our efforts to cover the entire Neighborhood in little spots of light for a weekend. This year we'll try again and this is where our neighbors come in. We need Street Captains who would be willing to volunteer to assemble and place luminaries for their blocks Friday afternoon / evening and remove them on Sunday.

You let us know which blocks you're willing to cover and we'll drop the supplies off on the morning of December 16th. With donations received this year, plus some remaining supplies provided by the Phoenix Block Watch Grant Program for last year, we can provide the supplies, just not the hands to pull it all together. Please call, text, email, drop by, send us a letter, message us on Facebook or Nextdoor If you'd like to volunteer.

And, once you have your luminaria in place, be sure to stop by the Simpson Hot Chocolate Social! Look for us on Luke Ave, between 19th and 21st Avenue (follow the smell of warm beverages and baked goods!)

What Can the City Help With

For this section, we’re going to be a bit more specific this time around, based on emails and conversations we’ve been having with neighbors. There are several contacts that you can use to report issues to the City of Phoenix.

- We’ve mentioned before that the easiest and most useful is going to be MyPHX311 (phoenix.gov/myPHX311 or the MyPHX311 App). This is a one stop shop to report most issues to Neighborhood Services, and even if it needs to be forwarded to another department, that will be done.

- Given the next most common issues of the last few years, encampments can be reported to the PHX C.A.R.E.S. program (phoenix.gov/phxcares). This organization is a group of city personnel, law enforcement, and local support groups that work towards addressing homelessness in the city. It’s a monumental task, so working with them can take time, but we have found it is usually worth it.

- Specific or lingering issues that are not resolved through the above resources can be brought to the attention of our NSD Neighborhood Specialist with the City of Phoenix, or to our Community Action Officer. Our NSD contact is Liza Oz-Golden (Liza.Golden@phoenix.gov) and our Police CAO contact is Officer Joe Kapla (Joseph.Kapla@Phoenix.gov)

- Any other major issues can also be brought to the attention of our City Councilperson, Vice Mayor Laura Pastor. You can provide a detailed report to her staff at the District 4 webpage (phoenix.gov/district4).

- The issues you’re likely to see are becoming more common valley wide, so you’ll probably need some patience. Continue to work with these individuals, and include us in your conversations. We can help push for attention when issues impact multiple neighbors.

- We will be working to get representatives from NSD, Vice Mayor Pastor’s Office, and out CAO present at our January Neighborhood Meeting. If you have concerns of questions, this will be a great opportunity to have them heard.

What Can the Neighborhood Help With

The Simpson Neighborhood Association was able to procure a Blockwatch Grant for 2021 and again for 2022. This funding has allowed for the purchase of safety, security tools, & community building equipment to be shared or available free of charge to neighbors. If you need tents, tables, chairs, PA System or anything else for your events, please contact your co-chairs Steven or Randi to coordinate your needs.

Community Updates

As there are always things going on in a neighborhood and city this size, we will be working to share a few of the more timely ones here:

• The city is still working to get caught up with Bulk Trash Pickup, and we are still on a delayed schedule compared to the original dates. Currently, placement starts 12/17 with pickup starting 12/26. Get your large items out where your trash is picked up (and try not to place them out too soon)

• The Annual Holiday Display contest will also be going on this year. Have your lights on 12/22 for judging. We’ll post the locations of the winners to Facebook and Nextdoor, but you’ll have to head out and find the signs to see the amazing displays awarded this year.

Upcoming Events

• Annual Holiday Luminary Display - December 16 & 17th

• Hot Chocolate Social - December 16th @ 6 pm - 1944 W Luke Ave

• Next Neighborhood Meeting will be January 17th @ 6:30 pm - First Indian Baptist Church, 2205 W. Georgia

Get Involved

Volunteer Opportunities abound especially now that we have funding and additional administrative overhead.

• Street Captains to put out luminaries

• Volunteers to assist as a treasurer

• Volunteers to assist as a secretary willing to help coordinate future newsletters, record minutes, etc.

Follow Us

Look for Simpson Neighborhood Group on Facebook or join Nextdoor for additional online interactions.