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LATEST INFORMATION
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We May Get Much-Needed Rain This Week
Cooler temperatures mid-week
Weather Outlook
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Air Quality Appeals Nonattainment Boundary
Proposes smaller nonattainment area
Read more
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Need Employment or Childcare Assistance?
Human Services may be able to help
More info
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TODAY'S KEY MESSAGE
Arizona Going Through Drought
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This week's forecast of measurable rain couldn't come soon enough. The U.S. Drought Monitor reports about 92% of Maricopa County is now in an extreme drought. Since late August 2024, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport has recorded just 0.01 inch of rain, a miniscule amount compared to the 4 inches of rain we'd typically see in that timeframe. Here's what our Flood Control District notes about the current dry spell:
- It is largely attributed to a persistent high-pressure system that has diverted storm tracks northward, preventing precipitation in the region.
- A lack of winter precipitation hampers the accumulation of snowpack in Arizona’s mountains.
- Snowpack serves as a natural reservoir releasing water during spring and summer months.
- Lack of snowpack can lead to diminished water supplies in the coming months.
Rainfall and cooler temperatures are expected mid to late this week. You can subscribe to our county weather updates here.
For more on how rain or lack thereof impacts our region, visit Maricopa.gov/flood
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Gilbert Road Bridge Open
The new Gilbert Road Bridge is fully open and includes additional travel lanes and an all-weather crossing over the Salt River during overflows. The Bridge is a vital connection in the East Valley between the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC), Mesa, Fountain Hills, North Scottsdale and beyond, serving thousands of travelers per day. As Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chairman Thomas Galvin notes, the partnership behind the project has "created a transportation connection that will serve our region well into the future."
For more information on Maricopa County road projects, visit Maricopa.gov/MCDOT
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NEWS BITES
Care for Clean Air, Be Idle-Free
Maricopa County’s Air Quality Department encourages everyone to “Care for Clean Air, Be Idle-Free”! During these cooler months, make the commitment to be idle-free. Turn off your car’s engine when waiting in long pick-up and drop-off lines and drive-thru establishments.
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Calling All Caregivers
Family Caregivers: the 2025 Annual Caregiver Summit "Caregiver Compass" is happening February 19 at the Desert Willow Conference Center in Phoenix! This free event provides practical tips, resources, and education for caregivers, healthcare professionals, and community leaders.
Event details: Desert Willow Conference Center, Phoenix, AZ 9:00 AM – 3:45 PM
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Cancer Prevention Month
It is estimated that about 2 million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer in 2025. Make sure you are getting your regular screenings and educate yourself on how to prevent the disease.
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Petco Love Presents Check to Animal Care & Control
When Lyris adopted Liberty from Animal Care and Control, she knew she was bringing home a special dog, but she had no idea just how much Liberty would change her family’s life. Liberty stayed by Lyris’ father’s side until he passed and now brings daily comfort to her mother, who is in her 90s. Even when confusion sets in, one thing remains clear: She loves Liberty, and Liberty loves her. Lyris shared this heartwarming journey with Petco Love Stories and was one of 25 winners! As a result, Maricopa County Animal Care & Control received a $10,000 grant to continue helping more pets like Liberty find loving homes.
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One Community, One Pack Event
 Maricopa County Animal Care & Control (MCACC) is inviting Maricopa County residents to visit its West shelter for its One Community, One Pack Event on Saturday, February 22nd, from 10:30-11:30AM to learn more about its shelter. It is MCACC’s hope that the event will provide more knowledge to residents about how its shelter functions and possibly inspire them to get involved.
Four Paws and Friends will also be hosting a public dog walk leading into the One Community, One Pack Event, from 8:15am-10:30am. Those interested in this event can sign up here.
Attendees are encouraged to fill out a survey ahead of time to give notice of attendance and express what they would like to learn about MCACC. The survey can be found here and will close on February 14th.
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Pet of the Week
Cobra is a fetch genius and will happily bring the ball back to you so you can throw it again. He walks well on a leash, enjoys treats, and has a calm temperament, making him the perfect companion for fun outdoor adventures. Cobra's adoption fee includes his neuter, vaccines and microchip. Visit Maricopa.gov/Pets to meet your new best friend.
Happy Tails
"We stopped in September to the West Valley shelter to drop off a newspaper donation. We decided to take a walk through the shelter and met Chip. We bonded immediately! Chip adjusted so quickly to his forever home and gets along so well with our other rescue. He is so smart & inquisitive." – Mike
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Job of the Week
Our Real Estate Department is looking for a Management Assistant!
The Management Assistant to the Office of the Director enhances the Director’s effectiveness by providing management support and representing the Director to others. This role is for an experienced self-starter with extensive exposure to Maricopa County's department directors, executive management, staff, and the public.
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