MCSO Cracking Down on DUI Warrants
With an additional $46,000 in their pocket, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office Vehicular Crimes Unit is looking for individuals with outstanding warrants related to driving while under the influence. Thanks to the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, MCSO now has the funds to target those individuals who have not presented themselves for warrants including DUI, aggravated DUI, endangerment, aggravated assault and vehicular homicide.
35% of all traffic deaths in Arizona involve alcohol, which is higher than the national average of 32%. Despite Arizona’s stringent DUI laws, we have seen a growing problem with drivers operating vehicles under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Phoenix Public Transit Receives a Federal Grant
The Phoenix Public Transit Department recently received a $12.9 million congestion relief grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration. The grant will go to fund Project EASE, also known as Effective Access Solutions for Easing congestion in the city.
Phoenix Public Transit has partnered with Via Transportation to implement microtransit services (more flexible, on demand transit options) and evaluate the effectiveness of the city’s current commuter bus program. The project will also work to discover new ways to decrease congestion within notoriously high congestion zones.
Project EASE is a three-pronged “congestion mitigation initiative” designed to provide options for passengers using public transit. According to a statement made by the city the program includes:
• Implementing three strategically placed microtransit zones in Phoenix over a three-year period.
• Augmenting existing RAPID commuter bus service that will complement the new microtransit zones.
• Integrating new and existing microtransit services into the regional transit software application for trip planning, real-time vehicle tracking and fare payments.
Currently the project is estimated at approximately $16.2 million, with the city providing a match of $3.2 million. More community engagement and outreach efforts will be made by the city beginning in 2025 to help gather public feedback and opinions on implementing the service.
A Taste of AZ Food & Drink Festival
Mark your calendars for Jan. 25, 2025, and make your way to the Salt River Fields for Arizona’s most intimate food and beverage festival, where award-winning restaurants, bars, and beverage producers come together to serve delectable samples. Indulge in a gastronomic journey with array of samples including tacos, burgers, beer, wine, and cocktails while enjoying live music.
The finest food purveyors include: Lola’s Tacos, Spinatos, Brightside Burgers, Hot Sauce & Pepper, The Vig, The Market by Jennifer, Saucy Luke, Clever Koi. Libations will be available from Simple Machine Brewing, Superstition Meadery, Chaco Flaco, The Shop Beer Co., Cider Corps, Barcoa Agaveria and more. Both general admission and VIP packages are available. In the mood to splurge? VIP packages include early entry, unlimited food samples, 15 drink samples and two complimentary tickets to a Spring Training baseball game at Salt River Fields.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit atasteofaz.com/a-taste-of-az-food-and-drink-festival-in-scottsdale-arizona.
