Maricopa, Ariz. (January 28, 10:45 a.m.) – Due to water saturation at park softball fields, expansion fields, the north soccer field, and tennis courts, Pacana Park has been closed for a minimum of 24 hours. Please contact Recreation Service Leader Monica Rubio with any questions at 520/316-6965.

The City appreciates citizen patience and understanding during this and recent weather-related closures. Says parks department staff member Gary Simser, “we would just like to say thank you to the public which showed absolute cooperation during last week’s full closure of Pacana Park as well as in subsequent small closures in certain areas of the park, ensuring everyone’s safety.”

For more information or weather-related updates, visit weather.gov/phoenix or check the City Website updates for road closure information at maricopa-az.gov.

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(Phoenix, Ariz. – January 22, 2010) Attorney General Terry Goddard is warning Arizonans to be cautious of unsolicited contractors coming to your door and offering help with repairs or clean-up related to the recent storms that have pounded the State.

Scam artists often try to capitalize on severe storms by taking advantage of homeowners coping with damage. Some unsolicited contractors will claim to have extra materials because they are doing work in the neighborhood. The pitch to the homeowner includes a “discounted” price for materials so the contractor won’t have to throw materials away.

The homeowner is typically given a verbal quote, but never a written estimate for the job. The unsolicited contractor will do the work, and in some cases without the homeowner’s consent, will do additional work.  After the job is complete, the homeowner may be presented with a bill that is hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than what was originally quoted. The person will often demand immediate payment and in some cases refuse to leave in an attempt to pressure the homeowner into paying in full.

Goddard cautions Arizona residents to think twice before allowing anyone who shows up after a severe storm to work on your home. Instead, he offers the following tips when choosing a contractor:

• Check with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (www.azroc.gov) to make sure the contractor you are considering has a license.
• Ask for written estimates from at least three contractors.
• Request a list of references and check them before agreeing to hire anyone.
• Make sure the scope of the project, the price and any other relevant terms are spelled out in a written contract.
• Never allow yourself to be hurried into making a decision.  No reputable contractor will pressure you into a quick hiring decision.

If you believe you have been a victim of fraud, please contact the Attorney General’s Office in Phoenix at 602.542.5763; in Tucson at 520.628.6504; or outside the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas at 1.800.352.8431.  To file a complaint in person, the Attorney General’s Office has satellite offices throughout the state with volunteers available to help.  Locations and hours of operation are posted on the Attorney General’s Web site.  Consumers can also file complaints on line by visiting the Attorney General’s Web site at www.azag.gov

For additional information, please contact Molly Edwards at (602) 542-8019.

Maricopa, Ariz. (January 5, 2010) – On Thursday, January 7, 2010, the City of Maricopa Development Services Department will host a public meeting to gather information from potential transit riders, their travel behavior and obtain their input on transit issues. This is the first public meeting in a 5-month Transit Feasibility Study Update that will identify potential transit solutions for Maricopa residents. The meeting will be held at the First Baptist Church, 18705 N. John Wayne Parkway, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The study will not only define the most promising routes internal and external to Maricopa, but will also build a solid foundation for possible future transit expansion within the Pinal County region. “We need all potential transit riders to participate in the transit study update,” said Director Brent Billingsley. “The information we gather will be incredibly valuable in addressing transit needs that will affect the entire community for a long time.” When the study is complete, the Mayor and Council will review the findings and make the final selection of the locally preferred alternative and possible external modifications. The potential exists, through the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Rural Transit Program (Section 5311), to receive federal funding for the transit system within the study area that would become the nucleus of a potentially great expanded system.

For more information about the meeting, please call Transit Coordinator Kellee Kelley at (520) 316-6948 or visit www.MaricopaXPRESS.com.