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Message from Supervisor Gates

Dear Friends,

Firefighters prepare for their day the same way that you and I do. However, there’s a significant difference — a determination that is unseen by everyone else.

Our firefighters day in and day out wear and carry heavy equipment during extreme weather to protect themselves as they run toward danger that everyone else is running away from. Yet dangerous circumstances and unpredictable surroundings are a reality they face every day they go to work.

We as a county are especially grateful to those who answer the calls for the reason that they put our lives and the lives of those we love first. Firefighting is a 24 hour a day job, they are always on call, and live with the understanding that they will miss out on family moments they so deeply treasure to do a job they so deeply love.

I want to thank the over 250 firefighters who responded to the Aquila fire. The Daisy Mountain Fire District, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Glendale, Peoria, Bureau of Land Management, US Forest Service, Maricopa County Sheriff’s Department and Phoenix Police Department all participated. Your coordinated efforts prevented loss of life, minimized the loss of structures, and kept the fire under 1,000 acres.

I would like to thank the New River / Desert Hills community for responding to the call to help your neighbors evacuate and assisting with moving personal belongings and transporting livestock. It is a testament to the strong community we have.  

Finally, I would like to thank Chief Tobin of the Daisy Mountain Fire District and Brian Moore, Chairman of the Daisy Mountain Fire District, for their guidance and leadership in keeping our firefighters and communities safe.

Stay Safe,

Bill

Updated 6.25.2020

Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Update

Maricopa County now has 36,890 positive cases since January 22, 2020.  72% (25,181) of the positive cases have occurred from June 1 - June 23. The 20-44 age group continues to make up the bulk of new positive cases.

Board of Supervisors Informal Meeting

The Board of Supervisors met Monday to adopt the Maricopa County FY 2021 Annual Budget and approve the August Primary 2020 election plan.

For additional information and links, please visit the Maricopa County FY 2021 Budget.

To view the August 2020 Election Plan, please click here.

To view the meeting in its entirety, please click on the video below.

Maricopa County Election Updates

Earlier this week, Maricopa County election officials provided an update on the Primary Election plans in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Scott Jarrett, Director of Election Day and Emergency Voting, covered the Vote Center election model, safety protocols for in-person voting, and expanded access to the polls for voters. Rey Valenzuela, Director of Election Services and Early Voting, discussed how Maricopa County has expanded access to vote by mail, an option available since 1996. Celia Nabor, Assistant Director of Early Voting, discussed the safety protocols implemented to ensure the county can process the expected 600,000 early ballots. Additional Maricopa County Elections Information Where Do I Vote? To view the elections update in its entirety, please click on the video below.

Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Formal Meeting

Board of Supervisors Approve Mask Regulations

As of midnight on Saturday, June 20, 2020, masks are required to be worn in public places in all of Maricopa County. With the rapid growth of positive COVID-19 cases, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved regulations related to wearing masks in an effort to slow the spread of the disease.

Some highlights from the regulations include:

• People older than six must wear masks in enclosed public spaces
• Adults with children 2 to 5 years old must make reasonable effort to make them wear masks inside enclosed public spaces
• All riders and operators on public transportation must wear a mask
• Staff working in public spaces (such as restaurants or stores) must wear masks

The regulations include exemptions from wearing masks that include:

• The regulations do not apply to people in homes
• Children under 2 years old
• Restaurant patrons while they are eating and drinking
• People walking or exercising outdoors (while maintaining six feet of distance)
• When in a personal vehicle, office or other personal space  

The Bridge Forum

This week I had the pleasure of joining fellow community members at the Bridge Forum Time for Change Series. The events of the past month have highlighted the need for in-depth discussions with our community about systemic racism, how law enforcement interacts with different communities and how we can work together, as a community, to create equality.  You can view discussion on Facebook HeroZona Foundation Page here. 

Rising COVID-19 Cases Press Conference

As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to grow, Dr. Rebecca Sunenshine explained the latest hospitalization data and how certain age groups are testing positive for the virus more than others. She also covered why it is critical to partner with the public to help reduce spread in the community. Marcy Flanagan updated the status of the contact tracing team and partnerships, and the role of this tool when faced with the increase in case numbers. Please view the Press Conference in its entirety by clicking here.

Increased Fire Restrictions in Maricopa County Regional Parks

We have seen a number of wildfires in Maricopa County. With high temperatures and dry conditions, please be exceptionally cautious of activities you may do that could begin 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.

The Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department initiated its annual fire ban on May 11.  On June 1, smoking in Maricopa County’s regional parks was 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.

Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Fire Restrictions

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

Cool Off, Find Water and Shelter

Emergency cooling centers and water distribution areas have been established throughout Maricopa County for those who do not have access to indoor cool environments. Cooling centers can be community centers, churches, and other community based organizations that provide water and serve as a safe, cool indoor place during the day for refuge from the heat. Please visit the Heat Relief Regional Network to download lists of sites by region.

View the full-size map of cooling stations and donation sites.

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.

District 3 Community Events

All Events Cancelled Until Further Notice

Upcoming Library Events

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