The Holiday Season is Here!

'Tis the season to give! As each of you know, the holidays are upon us. It’s time to spend time with family, friends, and loved ones, eat delicious food, and enjoy the festivities that abound all across Tempe.

It’s also time, however, to remember that there are those who are less fortunate in our community. With high levels of inflation making basic items more expensive than ever, there are many Tempe residents who are struggling to make ends meet and put food on their tables for their families.  

St. Francis of Assisi once said, “For it is in giving that we receive.” Please remember those in need and give back whenever possible. There are ample ways to do so. Take a couple hours to volunteer for a cause, organize a non-perishable food drive, or donate some gently used clothing to a discount store. The Tempe Community Action Agency, one of our city's most beloved charitable organizations, lists ways in which you can assist!

Any little bit of assistance counts. Every little bit of assistance goes a long way to making our community a more equitable place.  

The door to my office in Tempe City Hall is always open. Please feel free to contact my office with any questions or concerns at 480-350-8748 or email me at [email protected]. 

With love,
Berdetta

Breakfast with Berdetta is Coming Right Up!

On Saturday, Dec. 3, we’ll be hosting our third “Breakfast with Berdetta”! The event themed “Public Safety and Public Health” will take place from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Desert Willow Conference Room at the Tempe Public Library., 3500 S. Rural Road.  

At this event, I’ll lead a panel discussion delving into issues related to public safety and public health in our city, how CARE7 Services can be of assistance, and how the City of Tempe HOPE Outreach services team is helping improve the lives of the unsheltered in Tempe.    

Our “Breakfast with Berdetta” community gatherings have become very popular for Tempe residents of all ages.  At both of our prior gatherings, we saw dozens of Tempe residents attend, learn about my priorities for our phenomenal city, and learn about pertinent topics impacting them in their daily lives.

To attend our Dec. 3 event, please RSVP to Council Aide Cepand Alizadeh at [email protected].  

A Tour of Tempe PRE!

Tempe PRE is the City of Tempe’s high-quality, full-day preschool for three and four-year old children. The City of Tempe currently serves more than 200 children and operates 11 locations at seven neighborhood public schools in the Tempe Elementary School District. Tempe PRE is committed to kindergarten readiness with a 9-to-1 student to adult ratio, a play-based curriculum and early childhood-certified teaching staff.  

In November, I visited several Tempe PRE programs to get a better sense of how Tempe PRE operates. At each location, I was wowed by the interactions between our city’s youngest residents and Tempe PRE teachers.  I witnessed children, learning, laughing, and getting personalized attention.  Students were not only learning the alphabet, painting, and singing, they were also improving their manners and their communication skills with their peers and their teachers.  

Tempe PRE undoubtedly gives children, and Tempe families, a jumpstart to a brighter future!  

Slangin' Birdz

In the last decade, the popularity of hot chicken has grown immensely. In fact, the City of Tempe has become home to several restaurants serving this traditional Southern dish. One restaurant stands out, however and that is Slangin’ Birdz located in the heart of downtown Tempe at 414 South Mill Ave., #101!

Slangin’ Birdz bills itself as serving the closest thing Arizonans will get to authentic Nashville Hot Chicken. Reviewers agree. Customers rave about their chicken’s spiciness and seasoning, the staff’s friendliness, and the wide array of side dishes. Slangin’ Birdz even offers an eating challenge for those who think they are brave enough to flaunt their ability to withstand the heat and not break a sweat while downing 12 Carolina Reaper Chicken Nuggets in five minutes without any drinks or other sauces. Slangin’ Birdz even requires participants to fill out a waiver before they even attempt to show off the prowess of their taste buds!

Next time you’re on Mill Avenue looking for a bite to eat, make sure to check out Slangin’ Birdz for some flavorful hospitality!  

Learn more about Slangin' Birdz

Tempe PRE Preschool Lauded for Innovation
TEMPE—The city’s Tempe PRE preschool program was recently honored by Education Forward Arizona for innovation in early learning.

Tempe organization distributes thousands of dollars to 40 Valley area charities
TEMPE—One Valley organization is doing “Something Good” by distributing hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants to help area charities.

Award of Merit, Airport/Transit: Tempe Streetcar
TEMPE—Completed in May 2022, this 3-mile-long alignment serves students, professionals, visitors and eventgoers.

Tempe Adaptive Streets program seeks to improve safety on city roads through artwork
TEMPE—If you’ve been at the intersection of 7th Street and Forest Avenue in Tempe in the last week, you might have noticed new artwork. It’s the first part of the city’s Adaptive Streets Program.

Tempe non-profit helping refugees from war-torn countries
TEMPE— Arizona is home to thousands of refugees from war-torn countries, and for the refugees, starting from scratch in a new country can be confusing and scary. A Tempe non-profit ensures they don't start their new lives all alone.

Tempe Union High School District will offer a Yaqui language course in fall 2023
TEMPE— The Pascua Yaqui tribe settled in the Guadalupe area in the 20th century when they were forced out of their home in Mexico.

Event to Look Out For

On Dec. 10, please join me for this year’s Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade!  Since 1999, this “only in Tempe” event has served as Arizona’s most unique holiday celebration.  This free and family-friendly event offers something for everyone!  

Enjoy holiday shopping, festive eats and treats, a dazzling boat parade featuring boats of all shapes and sizes and a firework show. Mill Avenue will be festooned with holiday decorations and colorful lights, getting every single attendee into the holiday spirit.  

To learn more, please visit the Downtown Tempe Authority's webpage.