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Community Corner

🌱 Moving Plane Exit @ PHX + Defying Echo Hike + Xmas Tree Dearth

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

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Geoff Campbell, Neighbor
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(Patch Media)

Good morning, Scottsdale! I hope that you had a wonderful weekend! But now, let's get this week started by taking a look at what you need to know.

First, today's weather:

Sunny skies with a high temperature of 76 and a low of 53 are forecasted. Enjoy!

Here are the top stories today in Scottsdale:

  1. Daniel Ramirez inexplicably jumped out of the rear door of a Southwest Airlines jet taxiing after landing from Colorado Springs on Saturday morning, according to a Fox 10 News report. The report says that "Sky Harbor staff and police have responded to nearly 3,000 calls of disruptive customers and assaults." In addition, the FAA reports more than 5,000 unruly passenger complaints. After he exited the plane, Ramirez locked himself in a runway fire station only to allow firefighters in minutes later. He was treated for a leg injury and is accused of felony trespass. (FOX 10 News Phoenix)
  2. COVID-19 didn't kill him, but almost. That's the story of Dr. Karl Viddal, who "hiked the Echo Canyon Trail with doctors from Dignity Health St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center who saved his life," according to a report on KPNX 12 NEws. Viddal contracted the virus early on in the pandemic and spent months in the hospital, reportedly near death more than 10 times. His statement of good health came in the form of a strenuous hike in more than a year after he emerged from a spring '20 coma unable to move. Regarding the hike surrounded by the docs that saved him, Viddal said, "I think it's extremely rewarding for me to show them I can do this and I'm alive because of them." (12news.com KPNX)
  3. "Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree." According to a report in AZ Big Media, the supply chain issues that plague this country now include live Christmas trees from the Northwest. In addition, drought in the Pacific Northwest and record fire activity means that people are looking further from home and perhaps differently for that perfect tree. Yet, according to the report, two local suppliers, Valley View Christmas Trees, and Moon Valley nurseries, claim to have ample supply. (AZ Big Media)

ICYMI and In Other News:

  1. How to get in touch with Santa this season. (Scottsdale Patch)
  2. Mega music theft — Scottsdale man accused of stealing royalties. (KTAR.com)
  3. Scottsdazzle Baby! Old Town Scottsdale Comes Alive. (citysuntimes)

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Today in Scottsdale:

From my notebook:

  • National Pearl Harbor Remembrance — Salt River, Dec. 7. (Discover Salt River)
  • Weeknights are less crowded at Holiday Lights — Stillman Railroad Park. (Facebook)
  • Check out these '75 vintage photos of Old Town courtesy of SPL. (Facebook)
  • The City of Scottsdale reminds us not to miss the Scottsdazzle Stroll! (Facebook)
  • Scottsdale Police Department wishes a Happy Retirement to Sgt. Matt Pearson. (Facebook)
  • Farewell to Deputy Fire Chief Jim Ford, who retired after 46 years in fire service. (Facebook)

From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

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Events:

  • Social Security Seminar — Queen Creek Library. (Dec. 8)
  • Social Security Seminar — Queen Creek Library. (Dec. 9)
  • Divorce Boot Camp — Scottsdale, Arizona Hub ~ No-Cost Webinar. (Dec.15)
  • New Year's Eve Pub Crawl — All-access pass to 8+ NYE parties! (Dec. 31)
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You're all caught up for today! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow with your next update. If you're feeling these newsletters, consider bringing some friends and neighbors on board. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Geoff Campbell

I live in Scottsdale, and I am a freelance writer, published in print and on the web. Following a 40-year career as a teacher, administrator, and coach, now committed to education in the broadest possible sense.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Scottsdale Daily? I'm all ears. You can reach me at Geoff Campbell/Patch Contributing Writer.

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