Community Corner

🌱 Monsoon Season Kicks Off + Woman Rescued From Burning Building

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

(Patch Media)

Hey, neighbors! It's Thursday in Scottsdale and I'm back in your inbox to catch you up on what's happening locally. In this issue, you'll find...

  • A reminder to prepare as monsoon season kicks off.
  • Scottsdale firefighters rescued a woman from a burning building.
  • A Scottsdale mom testified in a congressional hearing about AI scams.

But first, your local weather: It will be partly sunny, with a high of 98 and low of 73.


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Here are the top stories in Scottsdale today:

  1. Monsoon season officially starts today and runs through Sept. 30. With heavy rains that can cause flash flooding and lightning that can lead to wildfires, it is important for residents to be prepared. Brush up on the "Ready, Set, Go" program. Prepare a household emergency plan, stay alert, and evacuate immediately if instructed to do so. (City of Scottsdale)
  2. Scottsdale firefighters rescued a woman from a burning apartment near Osborn Road and 68th Street on Tuesday afternoon. Firefighters saw a woman trying to open a window on the second floor and extended a ladder to help her climb out. The woman was hospitalized in serious condition. No firefighters were injured, and the details of what led to the fire are still under investigation. (Arizona's Family)
  3. Scottsdale mom Jennifer DeStanfo testified before a Senate subcommittee during a congressional hearing about artificial intelligence scams. DeStanfo was the victim of an AI and voice cloning scam, as she received a threatening phone call from a scammer who had a clone of her 15-year-old daughter's voice and claimed that she had been kidnapped. With her testimony, she hopes to raise awareness and see action taken to prevent future scams. (Arizona's Family, Arizona's Family)

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Tomorrow in Scottsdale:

Friday, June 16

  • Disruption Day at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. Enjoy this "one-day event that brings together some of the most talented and forward-thinking real estate professionals." (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
  • Donuts for Dad at Via Linda Senior Center and Granite Reef Senior Center. "Join us in the lobby... as we celebrate fathers and father figures! Enjoy free coffee and doughnuts." (Via Linda: 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM, Granite Reef: 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM)
  • Scottsdale Bakes - Rhubarb, Cherry, or Berry. Register online for this virtual event. (10:30 AM - 11:30 AM)
  • Story Stop at Civic Center Library (10:30 AM - 10:45 AM)
  • Knowasis Fun Food Fridays at Civic Center Library (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM)
  • Lego Masters at Civic Center Library (3:00 PM - 4:00 PM)
  • Glow Up at McDowell Mountain Aquatic Center, 15525 N. Thompson Peak Parkway. "This family dance party includes live DJ, foam party, glow games, access to pool amenities and more." Resident tickets cost $4 for children and $6 for adults. (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM)

From my notebook:

  • "Scottsdale Fire arrived on scene and found a working fire on the second floor of the apartment complex. While crews were completing a 360 of the structure, crews witnessed a female fire victim attempting to open a window on the second floor to the rear of the structure. Scottsdale fire crews extended a ground ladder to the window and assisted the fire victim out of the window." (Scottsdale Fire Department via Facebook)
  • "Episode 5 Firewatch podcast has dropped! Meet Stacey McRae, who tells about her son Odin who is forever 2.5 years old, and Lori Stauffer, who talks about the steps you can take to reduce the risk of drowning." You can watch the episode here. (Scottsdale Fire Department via Facebook)
  • "Please welcome ScottsdalePD's newest public information officer, Sgt. Allison Sempsis. She has been selected as the supervisor for the PIO Office and Community Engagement Section. She has worked a variety of assignments during her 14-year career including patrol, investigations and in the Training Unit." (Scottsdale Police Department via Facebook)
  • "In April 2023, Scottsdale Public Library hosted a bookmark design contest during National Library Week. People of all ages were invited to submit an original bookmark using the theme 'There's More to the Story.' One winning design from each age group was selected to be printed as a limited-edition bookmark, which are now available to be picked up at your favorite branch." (Scottsdale Public Library via Facebook)
  • "Calling all dads and father figures! Join us at 9 a.m. Friday, June 16 at Granite Reef or Via Linda Senior Center for some free coffee and doughnuts as we celebrate you! No registration required, just drop in and enjoy!" (Scottsdale Senior Services via Facebook)
  • "Last week, Scottsdale Human Services staff visited home-bound seniors as part of the Scottsdale Senior Services Beat the Heat program... This year, we were able to provide heat relief to over 100 seniors. Thank you to everyone who donated items and brought summer relief to Scottsdale seniors." (Scottsdale Human Services via Facebook)
  • "We need your input on two important Scottsdale Parks & Recreation projects: Indian School Park master plan — Your feedback will guide what amenities and services should be planned at Indian School Park over the next 10-15 years. Visit Indianschoolpark.com to take an online survey and leave comments on the interactive park map... Thompson Peak Dog Park — Visit the project page to view the presentation and submit your feedback: http://Scottsdaleaz.gov/.../thompson-peak-park-dog-park" (City of Scottsdale - Government via Facebook)

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You're officially in the loop for today. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow with another update!

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

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