🌱 DOJ Investigates Scottsdale Physicians Group + Hello Scottsdale

Hello, Scottsdale! I'm here in your inbox per usual to get you caught up on everything you need to know that's going on in town, including:

• Jim Bruner gives readers a look "Behind the Scenes."
• Scottsdale gas prices are the highest in metro AZ.
• Hello Scottsdale answers neighborhood questions.

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But first, today's weather:

It is a beautiful but breezy morning! Clouds are expected today, with a high of 70 and a low of 55.

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Here are the top stories today in Scottsdale:

1. Jim Bruner, who served as both a Maricopa County supervisor and a Scottsdale City Council member, has written "Behind the Scenes," which gives readers insight into both his life and his political career. Bruner believes that his 1994 unpopular deciding vote may be the reason Major League Baseball is in Arizona, as well as the reason he was unable to become a U.S. Congressman. His book can be purchased on Amazon and features cover art by Steve Benson. (Free: NewsBreak, Subscription: Daily Independent)
2. The Department of Justice accused Scottsdale Physicians Group of submitting false Medicare billing claims and admitting patients to the hospital when it was unnecessary. Dr. Nima Ghadimi, who founded the group and other companies in question, is accused of committing fraud and reportedly transferred millions of dollars from company earnings into his personal accounts. The companies are now in bankruptcy, and further investigations are underway. (ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix)
3. Scottsdale ranks at the top of the list of Arizona metro areas with the most expensive gas. With an average of $4.31 per gallon, gas prices in Scottsdale surpass the AAA national average gas price of $3.46 and the Arizona average of $3.96 per gallon. Gas prices remained steady over this past week despite recent market challenges. (Arizona's Family)
4. Hello Scottsdale, a question and answer text messaging service powered by artificial intelligence, continues to be piloted in Old Town Scottsdale and select areas. The platform offers information on local businesses, city services and events, as well as an opportunity to provide feedback. Be on the lookout for Hello Scottsdale stickers and signs, including on your waste collection bins! Select neighborhoods can scan the stickers on their bins to report issues with recycling or trash collection, and also get answers to questions about bulk trash schedules, ordering new bins, and other issues. (City of Scottsdale, Nextdoor)
5. Spring cleaning may have mental health benefits, as a home free of clutter can provide relaxation and reduced anxiety. Brittany Mixon, a Scottsdale-based personal stylist and a pro when it comes to cleaning out your closet, has tips for decluttering during spring cleaning. Strategies include asking yourself specific questions about the items in your closet, to determine if you really need to keep them; trying on items to decide if you want to keep them; selling items no longer needed; and partnering with a friend during the process. (citysuntimes)

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From our sponsor:

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Today in Scottsdale:

• Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts continues to offer Sun & Sounds, a free outdoor concert series. Today, guests can enjoy the "smooth vocals of Japhar Pullen and the trumpet-centered tunes of Gabriel Bey & Friends." (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM)
• The Scottsdale Neighborhood Arts Place is offering Latin Dance Classes by Brigette Marie (2:00 PM - 9:00 PM)
• The Scottsdale Philharmonic plays at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets must be purchased. (4:00 PM)
• The Valley of the Sun JCC is offering Teen Basketball. Registration is required. (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• Neighbors are in need! The Bureau of Jewish Education and Jewish Family & Children's Service are hosting a Passover Food Drive to help serve the growing number of individuals suffering from food insecurity. Monetary donations to purchase food items can be made via check or online at jfcsaz.org/donate/donate-online-now/passover. Food donations are requested by March 30 and can be dropped of at the Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus, as well as other participating synagogues. If you need assistance in obtaining Passover food, contact Kathy.Rood@jfcsaz.org. (Scottsdale Progress)
• Every bunny can use a little help! Illuminate Community Church is hosting an Easter Basket Collection Drive to benefit foster families. Filled and wrapped baskets can be dropped off in the office or lobby prior to Sunday, March 26. (Illuminate Community Church)
• Let's get down to business! The Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting Scottsdale Forward – Innovation in Business on April 19. Attendees will "dive deep into the game-changing trends that are revolutionizing the world of marketing, recruitment, brand recognition, and corporate culture with experts from Arizona State University Knowledge Enterprise, Cruise Self Driving Cars, @Merrtino Consulting, and onsemi. Info and registration at: https://bit.ly/405B0KO" (Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce via Facebook)
• Scottsdale is the place to be! "Finding a home in Scottsdale gives companies the opportunity to recruit passionate people who want to be part of something larger. Local business leaders share their experience: https://bit.ly/3lardnr" (Scottsdale Economic Development via Facebook)
• Even lions take time to stop and smell the roses — or, rather, the beautiful Arizona wildflowers! Baboo, a 7-year-old African lion at the Phoenix Zoo, was filmed happily sniffing and rubbing against yellow wildflowers. Guests can visit Baboo and see the yellow beauties in person. Bonus! Tickets purchased online at phoenixzoo.org are currently discounted by $5! (Arizona's Family)
• Save the date! The 2023 Phoenix Heart Walk is scheduled for Saturday, March 25 at 8:30 a.m. at the Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza. "We're all tied to heart disease and stroke in some way, and we must change that. By registering for the Heart Walk today, you are taking the first step to save lives. Every walker who joins, every dollar donated means more research, more people trained in lifesaving CPR, more medical breakthroughs and more champions for equitable health." (American Heart Association, Signals AZ)

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More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Free Stuff And Great Perks Every Week (March 21)
• American Diabetes Association Alert Day® — Are You At Risk? (March 28)
• Crossing Over With Psychic Medium John Edward Live! (April 15)
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That's it for today! I'll see you on Monday.

— 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@outlook.com