🌱 Diamond Fire Update + Scottsdale Man Sentenced To Prison For Fraud

Hi neighbors! It's Megan Moreno, your host of the Scottsdale Patch newsletter — here to tell you all the most important things happening in our community. Including:

• Updates on the Diamond Fire.
• Scottsdale man sentenced to prison for fraudulent scheme.
• Senior center Saturday hours coming soon.

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But first, your local weather: Another sunny and very warm day can be expected, with a high of 106 and low of 79.

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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 percent 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.

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Here are the top stories today in Scottsdale:

1. The 1,145 residents evacuated from their homes due to the Diamond Fire were allowed to return as of 7 p.m. on Wednesday, and the shelter at Cactus Shadows High School has been closed and converted to a heat relief station. As of Thursday morning, the fire had no additional movement or growth thanks to the tireless work of the USFS Hotshot Crew, about 160 City of Scottsdale personnel, and multiple forestry and fire management personnel. McDowell Mountain Regional Park remained closed. Officials confirmed that the fire was "human-caused, but the specific cause remains under investigation." (Arizona's Family, 12news.com KPNX, Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management via Facebook)
2. A Scottsdale man has been sentenced to 70 months in prison for his involvement in "one of the largest music royalty fraud schemes." Jose Teran, 38, pled guilty to "conspiracy, wire fraud and transactional money laundering," and he admitted to monetizing money on YouTube for which he and his co-conspirator had no lawful ownership nor claim to royalty proceeds. Teran and Webster Batista received about $23.4 million from the fraudulent scheme. (KTAR.com)
3. For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, the Scottsdale senior centers are bringing back Saturday hours! Starting on Saturday, July 8 and continuing every Saturday, both the Via Linda and Granite Reef senior centers will be open from 8 a.m. to noon. You can find out more about the centers, including their activity lists, lunch menus, and the Via Linda movie list, here. The senior centers are also seeking feedback from the community on programming, events, and more and would like residents to complete this survey. (City of Scottsdale)

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Tomorrow in Scottsdale:

Saturday, July 1

• Splash and Sparklers Fourth of July Celebration at W Scottsdale, 7277 E. Camelback Road. "The WET Deck celebration... includes DJs, VIP Cabanas, daybeds and poolside drinks." (10:00 AM - 6:00 PM)
• Magic & Juggling Show at Arabian Library (10:10 AM - 11:10 AM, 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM)
• Scottsdale Artists' School Programs - Charcoal Drawing at Civic Center Library for ages 8 to 12. (1:00 PM - 2:15 PM)
• Knowasis Scottsdale Artists' School Programs - Charcoal Drawing at Civic Center Library for ages 12 to 18. (2:30 PM - 3:45 PM)
• 13th Annual Fourth of July Freedom Fest at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, 7575 E. Princess Drive. The event includes "concerts, a vintage air show, catch-and-release fishing derbies and pool parties." (6:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• "Get a ride, not a DUI! Scottsdale PD is teaming up with other valley agencies for a full weekend of saturation patrols to keep our roadways safe. Please have a plan to get home safely." (Scottsdale Police Department via Facebook)
• "Don't let your Fourth of July celebration be left in the dark. Watch to learn which fireworks are legal in Scottsdale." Video at the link! (Scottsdale Police Department via Facebook)
• "Please be mindful of wildfire danger. Humidity will drop midmorning and the risks of fire increase. Complete any hikes early morning for the next couple of weeks so you don't put yourself in the path of a fire!" (Scottsdale Fire Department via Facebook)
• "There are actions you can take to help protect your home from wildfire. And yes, there are ways to help manage vegetation in the NAOS near your home. Learn more here: https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/f..." (Scottsdale Fire Department via Facebook)
• "Help the fire department help protect your home and property from wildfire." Check out the YouTube video here. (Scottsdale Fire Department via Facebook)
• "Our #ChooseScottsdale featured job of the week is courtesy of 41 North Contractors, L.L.C. They are looking to hire a Warranty and Maintenance Worker Project Manager who will work interfacing with clients, subcontractors, vendors, and in-house support to assure timely and accurate scheduling and completion of service, warranty, and punch list work. Find out more about this position and others: https://bit.ly/44BYn0n" (Scottsdale Economic Development via Facebook)
• "Summer is here, so join the Chamber for our cool VIRTUAL PM Connect on Wednesday, July 12 from 5-6 p.m., hosted by Pair A Dice Carriages. Beat the heat while making connections that grow your business. Register now at: https://bit.ly/42HFNlY" (Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce via Facebook)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll see you tomorrow.

— Megan Moreno

About me: Dr. 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@outlook.com