Community Corner

🌱 Beware Of Voice-Cloning AI Scams + Civic Center Renovation Reviews

The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Scottsdale.

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Hello again, neighbors! I'm here with your fresh copy of the Scottsdale Patch newsletter. Keep reading to find out all the most important things happening locally, including...

  • One family's terrifying experience with a voice-cloning artificial intelligence scam.
  • A Scottsdale lawmaker questions the governor's rejection of HB 2322.
  • Early reviews of the Civic Center renovation.

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Now, today's weather:

Expect another day of heat and blazing sunshine, with a high of 97 and low of 65.

Here's to our other local sponsor. Check out what they can do for you:

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Here are the top stories today in Scottsdale:

  1. A Scottsdale family is warning others after receiving a terrifying artificial intelligence voice scam call. Jennifer DeStefano received a phone call in which her daughter, who was out of town, was heard crying and asking for help. Then, a man got on the phone and stated he would harm her if he wasn't paid a large sum of money. After DeStefano's husband quickly called their daughter and confirmed she was safe, they learned what they heard on the phone was actually a clone of their daughter's voice created by artificial intelligence. Phoenix FBI warns that scammers often use public social media profiles to identify victims and encourages residents to report these calls so trends can be identified and scammers can be caught. (Arizona's Family)
  2. Scottsdale lawmaker Alexander Kolodin is questioning why Governor Katie Hobbs rejected HB 2322, which was "supported by a majority of Arizona House Democrats." The proposed legislation would have "spelled out in statute that procedures for verifying signatures on early ballot envelopes - procedures prepared by Hobbs as secretary of state - constitute 'the minimum requirements for comparison of signatures,'" with any unverifiable signatures being rejected. Hobbs indicated such procedures would be better suited for an Election Procedures Manual, but Kolodin countered by pointing out that Arizona currently has no laws for signature verification requirements to ensure the lawful validity of early voters. (Daily Independent)
  3. The Scottsdale Civic Center renovation is receiving mixed reviews from the community. Some feel it didn't provide enough grass, shade, ducks or swans. Others enjoy the "sleek, modern renovation" that is more conducive to community events, such as the Sun & Sounds free outdoor concert series or the first-ever Bunnanza, held last Saturday. The renovation project is delayed by about four months, with completion expected this May. The project is also running about $5.7 million over budget. (East Valley Tribune)

From our sponsor:

Today's Scottsdale Patch newsletter is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. T-Mobile has invested billions to light up their best network ever, covering 99% of people in America with LTE, which helps to keep communities like ours informed and connected. We thank T-Mobile for their support and for making today's Scottsdale Patch newsletter possible.

Today in Scottsdale:

  • The Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts is hosting The Wood Brothers, known for "their singularly eclectic and electrifying performance style that has earned them devoted regions of fans around the world. Supporting act is Cris Jacobs." Tickets can be purchased online. (7:30 PM)

The Valley of the Sun JCC is offering:

The Scottsdale Neighborhood Arts Place is offering:

The Scottsdale Public Library is offering:

From my notebook:

  • "DC Ranch in Scottsdale near the McDowell Mountains is coming up on its 25th year anniversary, but has even deeper ties to the foundation of Scottsdale and history of cattle ranching." The ranch was founded in the 1900s and "used to be 43,000 acres!" (Scottsdale Independent/paywall)
  • Here comes the heat! "A strong ridge of pressure over our region is bringing unseasonably warm weather, which is set to continue through Wednesday. Breezy weather is expected Wednesday into Thursday as a trough of low-pressure approaches." We will see a brief bit of relief, though, with temperatures expected to fall back to the 80s on Thursday and Friday. (Arizona's Family)
  • Before you head out on your next bike ride, consider brushing up on bicycle safety and riding tips! Tips include airing your tires once a week, cleaning your chain once a month, getting a yearly bike tuneup, and always wearing a helmet and reflectors. (ABC15 Arizona)
  • Considering adding a furry friend to your family? Check out these Scottsdale-area dogs and cats available for adoption. (Scottsdale Patch)
  • In the market for a new job? Several Scottsdale-area job openings are in the fields of customer service, sales, emergency services, animal care, marketing, entertainment, warehousing, surveying, business services, truck driving, and more. (Scottsdale Patch)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

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You're officially in the loop for today. See you all in a few days!

— Megan Moreno

About me: Megan Moreno is a registered nurse, leader, cancer survivor, wife, and mother of two. Megan loves spending time with her husband, who is an Army combat veteran, and their children exploring the beautiful city of Scottsdale.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Scottsdale Patch newsletter? Contact me at meg_n_more@patch.com

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