Downtown leaders oppose SB 1062 by hanging ‘open for business to everyone’ signs
Thousands of local business owners and residents are taking a stand against controversial refusal for service bill SB1062 by posting signs in their windows welcoming all customers. The signs join a debate about the effects and legality of the bill, which Gov. Jan Brewer will pass or veto this week.
Community members provide input on new streetscape designs, focus on bike lanes
Downtown residents may see new bike lanes and lane restrictions in the next five years if the city Street Transportation Department's proposed plans are accepted. The plans were open to the public to view at an open house on Tuesday.
Protesters continue demonstration against SB 1062 at Capitol
Several hundred protestors gathered at the state Capitol Monday night, continuing their protest of Senate Bill 1062, which would allow businesses to refuse to provide service to customers based on religious principles.
Phoenix Police officer works to assist homeless in Margaret T. Hance Park
Rusty Stuart, 26-year veteran of the Phoenix Police Department, leads the Misdemeanor Repeat Offender Program, which differentiates homeless people who may be in need of social services from criminals.
USGD appoints new Supreme Court justice, has senator resign, passes bill
An Undergraduate Student Government Downtown meeting on Friday led to the approval of funding requests, the appointment of a Supreme Court justice, the passing of a senate bill and the resignation of a senator.
Businesses, community members respond to passage of religious service refusal bill
On Thursday, the Arizona legislature passed a bill that would allow businesses to refuse service based on religious beliefs. The move caused an uproar among downtown business owners and community members who feel this bill could be used to discriminate against gay people.
Free bike rental service coming soon for Downtown campus students
The bike co-op program at the Sun Devil Fitness Complex offers tune-ups, repairs, cleaning and inspections for students. It also provides students with training on how to repair their own bikes. Students will soon be able to rent bikes for free for up to seven days at a time.
Phoenix discusses human trafficking concerns for Super Bowl, safer future
To combat the rise of human and sex trafficking cases that will come with the Super Bowl to Glendale in 2015, the City of Phoenix Human Trafficking Task Force is coordinating with local and federal anti-trafficking efforts to prepare. Escort ad activity on Backpage - a classifieds website - increased from 28 two Thursdays before the 2012 Super Bowl to 118 the Thursday of the game.
Bike stores: Grid program will involve public in biking but evades infrastructure problems
The Grid Bike Share program is scheduled to go live in Phoenix in late April, expanding to Tempe and Mesa throughout the year. While store owners expect it will increase public involvement in bicycling, many are still concerned about the infrastructure of Phoenix's streets.
Public workers and union push back against city salary cuts in budget debate
The American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Local 2384 union chapter seeks transparency and cooperation in negotiations with the city of Phoenix regarding balancing the budget and solving staffing reduction and pay cut issues.