October is Domestic Violence Awareness month in Maricopa County. Domestic violence, in the form of physical, sexual, emotional, and financial control and abuse, affects the family and the community. I am proud that Maricopa County has invested millions of dollars to ensure that there are ample support services and safe places available for survivors. We can all do our part to increase awareness and continue to work towards meaningful change to end all forms of violence and abuse of power in relationships. Further comments
Chat with a Victims Services Specialist at 602-279-2980
For More Information on Domestic Violence
The General Election season is upon us! Early voting started on October 12th and will continue through November 4th. Election day is November 8th. Go to the Maricopa County Elections website to track your early ballot, find the nearest polling place, or get answers to other election questions. Remember, the only vote that doesn’t count is the one that is not cast!
Brian Murray Shares Tragic Domestic Violence Story with County
Brian Murray and I met with County Attorney Rachel Mitchell to share the story of how Brian’s daughter was brutally murdered in a Domestic Violence case. I want to do all I can to increase the awareness of the help that is available and the strength that comes when we band together.
Click on the picture above to hear what was shared with the County at the Formal Board of Supervisors meeting on October 19, 2022.
Domestic Violence Survivors Benefit from $15 Million Investment
To ensure that there are ample support services and safe places available for survivors, Maricopa County made a $15 million investment in 2021.
Throughout the last year, Maricopa County funding has facilitated meaningful change. The County’s investment, enabling victims of domestic violence to now access support services and programs in the community, expands beyond the existing model of bringing people into shelters to access services.
In partnership with ACESDV, this progress includes providing services to more than 31,913 families impacted by domestic and sexual violence. For full article
Elections Command Center
One of the goals going into this election season was to run the most transparent election ever seen in Maricopa County. The Board of Supervisors are working with the County Elections Team and the Maricopa County Recorder’s Office to make this a reality.
The Command Center is up and running. You may follow along and keep up to date on everything having to do with the election. See the links below to watch what has been shared to date.
Rio Verde has a New Fire Station
Collage Rio Verde Fire District Grand Opening
Earlier this week I attended the Grand Opening of Fire Station #442 in Rio Verde. It was a pleasure to talk with the hardworking people of the Rio Verde Community that made this beautiful addition to the area possible. Congratulations to Fire Chief Jay Ducote, Deputy Chief Scott Krushak, Rio Verde Fire District Fire Board Chairman George Kattermann, the other board members for a job well done and the whole community! It truly was a community effort.
Another wonderful feature of the new station is the office space provided for Captain Larry Kratzer and his crew of fellow Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MSCO) officers! Not only does this strengthen the relationship between MCSO and the Fire District it will help reduce response times for emergencies throughout the community.
Board of Supervisors Approves New Small Business Advocacy Program
Last week the Board of Supervisors approved a new Small Business Advocacy Program that recognizes the value of small and local business in our economy. The program will ensure small and local businesses get a larger share of county business.
This new program introduces greater flexibility for county departments issuing quotes on the open market which are under $100,000 to also consider the benefit of buying locally and keeping tax dollars in the local economy. The primary goal of this new program is to help small and local businesses position themselves to provide Maricopa County departments with commodities and services not covered by existing contracts with a one-time estimated cost of less than $100,000.
Contact Sara Stafford at Sara.Stafford@Maricopa.gov for more information.
Maricopa County Receives $4.7 Million as First Payment from National Opioid Settlement
Maricopa County has received its first payment as part of a historic settlement with opioid manufacturers and distributors. The $4.7 million deposit is part of an estimated $80 million the County will receive from drugmakers and distributors.
Too many lives have been altered by opioid abuse and misuse. This money will allow us to better combat the epidemic.
Don’t Miss the Events at Usery Mountain Regional Park
The weather is cooling off and what a great time to spend outdoors! Don’t miss these great events taking place at the County’s Parks.
Oct 29, 2022 – (07:00 AM – 09:30 AM) Usery Mountain Regional Park
Oct 29, 2022 – (10:00 AM – 11:30 AM) Usery Mountain Regional Park
Explore the Old Clay Mine! *Registration Required! 10/29/2022 06:00 PM MST, Cave Creek Regional Park explore the old clay mine!
For more information about events at your County Parks
Good to Know From Animal Care & Control animal care and control, pets, dog, paw
If you’re a dog owner, make sure your furry friend is licensed! In Maricopa County, it’s the law. However, there are many other reasons why making sure your dog has a current license in Maricopa County is important. For example, your dog will be safer—when they are licensed, you’re registered as the dog’s owner and your information is entered into our database. So, if your pet is ever lost, this helps us quickly reunite you with your pet. MCACC follows a minimum 120-hour rule if a licensed dog comes into our shelter. This gives you more time to find your lost pet! Plus, the licensing fee goes towards helping the other animals in our care.
Director’s Note
As of September 28th, we have taken in more than 14,400 animals, an increase of more than 700 animals over the same period last year.
September was a particularly busy month for us. There were 14 days where we cared for over 800 animals–by comparison, in August, we had seven days with over 800 animals. On September 12th, we accommodated the most animals (855) with only 755 kennels to spare. Our current average daily number of animals in our care is 798.
Thanks to the hard work and tenacity of staff, we created an additional 50 temporary kennels (outfitted with 20-plus evaporative coolers and fans to keep the animals comfortable) outside Wings G, H, and I as well as animals in movable kennel spaces.
During the week of September 12th, we utilized an “all hands on deck” concept where amazing staff from all divisions including, Finance and Field, assisted with daily cleaning, feeding, and animal walking –it took everyone to allow us to weather the storm.
Now closing out its third month, our Return to Owner fee subsidy program has provided support and reunified 194 owners with their animals. Of this number, 132 of these animals received spay/neuter surgery to continue MCACC’s message that spay/neuter remains the most effective method to reduce animal intake and euthanasia to help decrease the number of dogs and cats entering local shelters.
What’s Happening In Your County
Check out the latest news from Maricopa County here What’s Happening in Your County Sept. 2022 – YouTube
