Greetings!

'Tis the season for spending time with family and friends, to reflect on the past and look forward to the year ahead. For me, I am grateful for the love and support of my family, including my grandson, Beau, who is always a source of joy and wonder. Regardless of how you choose to celebrate this holiday season, I hope you are surrounded by love and community - even in these difficult and tumultuous times. 

In Tempe, we made strides to strengthen neighborhoods while continuing our tradition of smart and innovative growth. As part of Tempe's Hometown For All initiative, I joined my colleagues on the City Council to approve purchases for 800 units of badly-needed affordable housing. We led with compassion in creating a comprehensive response to the growing crisis of unhoused people in our communities. And as a caregiver for a loved one with dementia, I helped spread the word about Tempe's programs and services to support those who sacrifice so much to help others. 

Over the past year, I held three Backstage Pass events, joining members of the public to learn more about the city we love. And as part of the Getting Arizona Involved in Neighborhoods (GAIN) night, I visited more than a dozen neighborhoods, gathering with hundreds of friends, neighbors, city workers and colleagues. It is these relationships that I treasure as I enter my third year as your Councilmember. 

I look forward to continuing to work hard on your behalf. I believe there is no obstacle too big to overcome as we seek to make our city an even better place to live, go to school, and work.  
 
Sincerely,
Doreen

Backstage Pass: Library Edition

After three successful events that took folks behind the scenes at Tempe Center for the Arts, Tempe Municipal Court, and most recently, Tempe History Museum, I am thrilled to announce the location for my next Backstage Pass event: Tempe Public Library, 3500 S. Rural Road!

On Saturday, Jan. 21, at 10 a.m., I will be joined by local TV broadcasting legend Dave Munsey to showcase a behind-the-scenes tour of the Tempe Public Library. Participants will be able to check out Munsey’s two books and learn about the library’s early childhood learning programs and volunteer opportunities. Don’t already have a library card? You’ll be able to get one.  

Starting earlier this year, Backstage Pass has been a unique opportunity for residents, students, and visitors to engage behind the scenes at some of Tempe's most important landmarks and civic institutions. I came up with the idea for these events based on my own curiosity about the inner workings of our government and a desire to learn more from the hardworking people that help make Tempe such a special place to live, work and go to school. 

I hope you will be able to join us! If you would like to attend, please send your RSVP to Paul Smith-Leonard at [email protected] or 480-350-8543.

RSVP

Protecting Our Kids From Flavored Tobacco & Vapes

In response to concerns brought to me by parents, teachers and administrators about the growing problem of flavored tobacco and vape products in our schools, I held several hearings to review measures that would restrict the sale of these products and protect our kids from a lifetime addition to nicotine and lasting negative health effects. 

On Dec. 7, 2022, as co-chair of Tempe's Human Services and Community Safety Committee, I approved changes to a proposed ordinance to include all flavored tobacco products, including menthol and flavored vapes. If approved by the full Council, Tempe would join a growing number of cities and states across the U.S. to put into place common sense restrictions on products engineered to addict children, young people, and communities of color.. 

I am also listening to the concerns of small business owners. Over the past few months, Tempe engaged in a robust public engagement process that included two public forums and stakeholder meetings to gather input as the Council's process of consideration of this first-in-Arizona ordinance continues. And we have already incorporated suggested changes from business owners, with more opportunities for input to come. 

No matter where you stand on this public health issue, your voice is important and deserves to be heard. Be sure to check tempe.gov/vaping for updates on the progress of this important initiative to protect the health of Tempe's most vulnerable.

VinciTorio's Restaurant

With fresh pasta, a long wine list, and live music, VinciTorio's Restaurant has been a Tempe staple for more than 20 years. For people like me, who enjoy good conversation along with great food and wine, VinciTorio's is one of those places that make our city a dining destination for visitors and longtime residents alike. 

Born and raised in Southern Italy, owner Mario Vincitorio offers authentic Italian food and wine that pairs well with Tempe's December chill or August heat. That's why VinciTorio's is me and my husband's "go-to" place for a romantic evening out, or to hang out with friends and family.

Click here for their full menu, and sign up here to keep up to date on VinciTorio's specials, live events and more!

Learn more about VinciTorio's

Click Here To View The City of Tempe News - December 23, 2022