🌱 Slingshots And Seed Balls For Diamond Fire Restoration + Mail Theft

Good morning, Scottsdale! I'm here in your inbox today to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on around town, including:

• Using slingshots and seed balls to help restore areas damaged by the Diamond Fire.
• U.S. Mail theft in Scottsdale is under investigation.
• Axon's controversial expansion and artificial intelligence technologies.

But first, your local weather: Expect blazing sunshine, with a high of 114 and low of 87.

Here are the top stories in Scottsdale today:

1. "The McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department, and the City of Scottsdale Community Services Department came together earlier this month to begin restoration efforts after the recent Diamond Fire burned 1,960 acres and scorched desert landscape in Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve and McDowell Mountain Regional Park." Volunteers used slingshots to launch native seed balls, which they formed with a compost mixture, to help restore native species to the damaged areas. The hope is that the seeds will soak into the soil after monsoon rains and allow the native species to thrive, thereby minimizing the invasive species which helped to fuel the fire in the first place. (City of Scottsdale - Government via Facebook, Fox 10 Phoenix)
2. The Scottsdale Police Department's Financial Crime Unit is partnering with the United States Postal Inspection Service to investigate U.S. Mail theft in Scottsdale. Mail was stolen from U.S. Postal drive-thru mailboxes and residential mailboxes, so SPD is encouraging residents to drop their mail inside U.S. Postal facilities during business hours. Residents can report U.S. Mail theft at www.uspis.gov/report or by calling 1-877-876-2455. (Scottsdale Police Department via Facebook)
3. Axon, a company best known for its "Taser line of nonlethal stun guns," has been making headlines. North Scottsdale neighbors have concerns about the planned expansion of the company, which includes a new office building, a hotel, and four apartment buildings. Stonebrook residents have expressed concern around "an extremely high-density development adjacent to an established single-family home community." In other news, the company has been working on the use of "artificial intelligence in transcription, video redaction and automated license plate recognition." The company is also working on using AI to "pull data from body-camera videos to assist officers in writing police reports." (East Valley Tribune, East Valley Tribune)

Business owners and marketers in Scottsdale: Do you want to build awareness with local customers? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. Click here to learn more.

Tomorrow in Scottsdale:

Wednesday, August 30

• Introduction to Sound Healing presented by Cancer Support Community Arizona at St. Patrick Catholic Community, 10815 N. 84th St. (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• "You should be drinking water before, during, and after a hike. You may not feel like you're sweating a lot because of the dry weather, but you'll be losing water even faster in the heat. 'When you've finished half of your water supply, it's time to turn around — no matter where you are on a trail,' Capt. Folio Scottsdale Fire." (Scottsdale Fire Department via Facebook)
• "Our team recently completed a project where eight shade structures were installed over the bleachers in the 'quad' behind the baseball and softball fields at Chaparral Park. The install was completed just in time for our fall programs, and we can't wait to play ball!" (Scottsdale Parks & Recreation via Facebook)
• Scottsdale Police Department received the following kudos: "Recently, I have had two occasions on which I have had to request police help with my [teenage son] who suffers from depression and anxiety. Last night was very traumatic to him as he was going to be taken to a facility [out of state] to get treatment... Each and every one of them performed professionally and with the utmost care and concern for my son and me." (Scottsdale Police Department via Facebook)
• "We’re projecting cooler 'fall' weather soon which means more of you will be enjoying our incredible hiking trails. Bring water, an ID & keys. Leave everything else at home!" (Scottsdale Police Department via Facebook)
• "We are so excited to announce our first StoryWalk® at Rio Montaña Park! StoryWalk® is a fun, educational way for people of all ages to combine physical activity with books and to help build children's interest in reading while encouraging healthy activity for all. Books will be changed out on a regular basis — the first book is 'Saguaro's Gifts,' by Kurt Cyrus." (Scottsdale Public Library via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Fresh Perks Every Week (August 29)
• Estate Planning Seminar at Venue8600 (August 31)
• Add your event

That's it for today. I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow with a new 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 [email protected]