NE Valley Times

Scottsdale Interim City Manager Greg Caton has appointed Police Chief Jeff Walther as an interim assistant city manager, effective January 27. During this period, Assistant Police Chief Joe LeDuc will take over as interim police chief.

In his new role, Walther will manage Communications and Human Resources while maintaining oversight of the Police Department. Walther has been with the Scottsdale Police Department for 30 years and has served as police chief since 2020. LeDuc, a 33-year veteran of the department, has held various leadership roles and served as assistant chief since 2021.

Scottsdale is introducing the RAVE Alert System to provide residents and visitors with timely notifications during emergencies or large-scale events. Managed by the Scottsdale Police Department, this free service sends alerts about severe weather, public safety issues, evacuations, missing persons, and special events. The system will debut next week during the WM Phoenix Open; attendees can subscribe to event-specific updates by texting GOLF25 to 67283.

The city encourages all residents to register for emergency alerts to receive customized notifications on weather, safety, and utility matters via text, email, or voice message. This initiative is part of a statewide effort to improve public safety through enhanced communication.

For general Scottsdale alerts registration details, visit the Arizona Department of Administration’s 9-1-1 Program page at az911.gov/rave-citizen-info-registration.

Public meetings scheduled for the week of January 27 include a Scottsdale City Council Special Meeting at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, January 28; a Regular Meeting at 5 p.m. on Tuesday; and a McDowell Sonoran Preserve Commission Work Study Session at 5 p.m. on Thursday.

Scottsdale Western Week activities are ongoing through February 2 with events like Gold Palette ArtWalk, Pony Express Parade del Sol Parade Trail’s End Festival Arizona Indian Festival.

The WM Phoenix Open runs from February 3-9 at TPC Scottsdale. Known as "The Greatest Show on Grass," it combines golf with a unique festive atmosphere. Due to increased traffic around Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard and Loop 101 Interchange during the event season, all travel lanes in this area will remain open until February 10.

Ongoing events include Scottsdale ArtWalk every Thursday evening and various programs at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.

Residents can participate in a student art contest organized by Scottsdale Solid Waste or recycle old electronics on Saturday, February 1 at North Corp Yard from 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m., requiring proof of residency.

Additionally, there are educational sessions such as learning about water resources with Gretchen Baumgardner on January 29 and understanding financial obligations in HOAs on January 30.

A job opportunity is available for a Street Striping Technician responsible for maintaining road markings for traffic management.

For more information or assistance contact City Call Center at (480)312-3111 or use Scottsdale EZ for reporting issues.