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A Message from Supervisor Gates

In his last moments of life George Floyd begged for air. Former police officer Derek Chauvin refused to listen, and he took George Floyd’s life. As a country, we cannot refuse to listen. The protests that have been held in Downtown Phoenix in the past week demonstrate that we need to have an honest conversation about how law enforcement interacts with our community - especially people of color. I look forward to engaging in that conversation in the days ahead and working with others to determine a path forward and deciding how we change. If we begin a civil dialogue here in the fourth largest county in the country, I am confident that we can begin healing and serve as a model to others across the country. Today our country begs for air; we must listen - let’s change together.

Bill

Updated June 3, 2020

Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Update

As we continue to see increased numbers in cases this week, please remember to practice social distancing, wash your hands, and consider wearing your masks in public places.

Governor's Emergency Declaration

Governor Doug Ducey issued a statewide Declaration of Emergency on Sunday, May 31, that included a curfew beginning at 8:00 p.m. The curfew will be in effect from 8:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m. and will expire on Monday, June 8, at 5:00 a.m. unless further extended. To view the information on the Statewide Emergency Declaration please click on the links below.

Emergency Declaration English

Emergency Declaration Spanish

Virtual County Coffee with Jen Pokorski

I would like to thank Jen Pokorski, Director, Planning & Development Department for Maricopa County, for taking the time to join me in our Virtual County Coffee. Please click on the video to watch as we discuss the shift to online plan submissions and the great work she and her department are doing during COVID-19.

Press Release: Building Permits Increase Despite COVID-19 Economic Fallout

County data shows 20% increase from 2019   

Planning and Development Website  

Maricopa County Permitting Services  

Supervisor Gates' Virtual New River/Desert Hills/Anthem Community Meeting with Chief Brian Tobin, Daisy Mountain Fire District

I would like to thank Chief Brian Tobin, Daisy Mountain Fire District, and the residents of New River/Desert Hills/Anthem community for joining me in my first Virtual Community Meeting. Chief Tobin discussed automatic aid and Daisy Mountain Fire efforts on the East Desert Fire two weeks ago.  Timely, as they were called to the Ocotillo Fire last weekend as well.

Increased Fire Restrictions in Maricopa County Regional Parks

We have seen a number of wildfires in Maricopa County and it is only the first week of June.  With high temperatures and dry conditions, please be exceptionally cautious of activities you may do that could start a wildfire. The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management has already instituted Stage II Fire Restrictions (see below), and I expect to see increased restrictions across Maricopa County soon. We have increased restrictions in our County Parks as an additional precaution.  Stay safe. - Bill

Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Fire Restrictions

The Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department initiated its annual fire ban on May 11.  Now, the department is taking additional steps to protect park visitors and resources due to the extremely dry conditions.  Effective Monday, June 1, smoking in Maricopa County’s regional parks will be prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle or at developed recreation sites such as parking lots and campsites.  The restriction comes on the heels of increased wildfire activity throughout Maricopa County.

“Last week, we had wildfires in two of our regional parks and along the Maricopa Trail, which resulted in park visitor evacuations and damage to the parks. To better protect park visitors and lessen the chance of human-caused wildfires, we are adding smoking restrictions in our annual fire ban. Individuals who smoke in the designated areas are also being asked to please make sure all materials are fully extinguished before leaving the area,” stated R.J. Cardin Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department Director.

The usual restrictions, which include banning the use of all campfires, fire pits, and the use of charcoal in grills or any other manner, are still in effect; however, it is acceptable to use gas/propane grills in designated areas. Violation of Park Rule R-113 may result in a citation. A date to lift the fire ban has not been established.

Eleven Maricopa County regional parks have been affected by the fire ban: Lake Pleasant Regional Park, White Tank Mountain Regional Park, Adobe Dam Regional Park, Buckeye Hills Regional Park, Estrella Mountain Regional Park, Hassayampa River Preserve, San Tan Mountain Regional Park, Usery Mountain Regional Park, McDowell Mountain Regional Park, Cave Creek Regional Park, and Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area.

Stage II Fire Restrictions Prohibitions

1. Building maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove including fires in developed campgrounds or improved sites is prohibited. Persons using a device fueled solely by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off is permitted. Such devices can only be used in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within 3 feet of the device.
2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, is prohibited.
3. Discharging a firearm except while engaged in a lawful hunt pursuant to state, federal, or tribal laws and regulations is prohibited.
4. Mechanical and Industrial prohibitions:
1. Operating any internal combustion engine.
2. No chainsaw use from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M. 
3. Welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame.
4. Using an explosive.

Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management

Lake Pleasant Opens at 5:00AM and other Operational Changes

Please see below for June 1-30 Updates for Lake Pleasant use and visit Maricopa County Parks for additional information.

Park hours [NEW]: 5 am to 8 pm - Sunday through Saturday.

TEMPORARY CLOSURES [NEW]: Will be implemented when capacity levels are met and remain in effect until 4 p.m. Temporary closures at the lake during the summer months are not uncommon due to high-volume traffic, high water levels, and limited shoreline availability for parking/day-use recreational activities.

MAIN ENTRANCE 

• BOBCAT DAY-USE AREA [NEW]: Only parking lot, restroom and individual picnic sites opened (large ramada to remain closed).
• RINGTAIL DAY-USE AREA [NEW]:Only parking lot, restroom and individual picnic sites opened (large ramada to remain closed).
• CONCRETE SPILLWAY [NEW]. Open for day-use access only (when water levels are adequate).
• BOAT-IN CAMPING ONLY [COMING SOON]

• The Discovery Center, Park Headquarters, and Operations Cove remain closed.

NORTH ENTRANCE (4-lane boat ramp) [NEW]

• Closed during the weekdays, except Friday.
• Temporarily open Fri/Sat/Sun from 5 a.m. – 4 p.m.- gate closes/locks at 4 p.m. 
• Shoreline camping will remain closed.
• Access will only be permitted for hikers or watercraft launchers.
• COTTONWOOD DAY-USE AREA: No restrictions – except during closure periods for North Entry.
• BROWN'S TRAILHEAD: No restrictions – except during closure periods for North Entry.
• CASTLE CREEK/4-LANE BOAT RAMP: Ramp is all that will be open.

CAMPING RESERVATIONS 

• Staff will contact those with camping reservations to provide instructions on how the sites may be accessed during the closure.
• Campers are encouraged to enter the park after 4 p.m. to avoid closure protocols and to remain inside the park during the mandatory closure periods.
• Same day camping reservations for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday may not be booked at this time.

SHORELINE CAMPING

• Will remain closed – with the exception of boat-in camping from the 10 Lane.

TRAILHEADS

• The Beardsley Trailhead is currently closed.

OTHER

• Please note the water levels at the lake are high right now, which means there is less shoreline is available for recreational activities.
• Swimming and fishing (with a valid license) are allowed at the lake.
• MAP highlighting area. [NEW]

SCORPION BAY MARINA

• Scorpion Bay Marina slip renters and individuals with boat reservations should be in the park by 11 am or after 4 pm on Saturday and Sunday.
• Individuals visiting Scorpion Bay Marina should contact the marina for further information on how the changes will impact their visit.

Quick Links

Below please find helpful links and general resources for COVID-19 Maricopa County COVID-19 Daily Updates Peruse all COVID-19 Daily Updates Maricopa County Facebook Maricopa County YouTube Maricopa County Library District Arizona Office of the Governor Arizona Department of Health Services Center for Disease Control and Prevention The White House

Maricopa County Find Work / Get Work

Online listings for employment opportunities are available on the Maricopa County Employment Website. Maricopa County offers careers in a wide variety of public sector professions and new job opportunities are posted on an ongoing basis.

Joint Information Center Press Conference

Last Wednesday's, May 27th, Joint Information Center Press Conference discussed what the county is doing during the time of COVID-19. Maricopa County Public Health and Emergency Management discuss efforts taken by the county to mitigate the spread of  COVID-19 within our communities. This will include topics such as summer camps and spread prevention, personal spacing, and personal protective equipment. You can view the press conference on Maricopa County's YouTube page.

District 3 Community Events

All Events Cancelled Until Further Notice

Upcoming Library Events

Looking for a Maricopa County Contact?

Below is a contact list for Maricopa County constituent services. Don't see what your looking for? Visit our County Contacts Webpage.

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William Gates

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Contact District 3

Phone: (602) 506-7562
Email: District3@maricopa.gov