🌱 Future Farmers In Phoenix + Where To Make Last-Minute Buys

Merry Christmas Eve, people of Phoenix! Caitlin Sievers here with a brand-new issue of the Phoenix Daily. We'll be taking a break tomorrow so I can spend some time with the family, but I'll see you back here on Tuesday. I hope you all get a break as well and enjoy the holiday.

First, today's weather:

Cooler with rain, some heavy. High: 61 Low: 55.

Here are the top stories in Phoenix today:

1. The city of Phoenix is looking for its next generation of farmers. These young, future farmers will take part in the Urban Agriculture Fellowship Program, getting paid to work alongside talented local agriculturalists to learn the best way to make things grow in Phoenix's difficult climate. The average age of an Arizona farmer is nearing 60. (Signals AZ)
2. Whether you need to pick up a some last-minute stocking stuffers, you're out of an important ingredient for your special Christmas recipe or you realized you might need some more egg nog to get through the weekend, make sure to check out which Valley grocery stores will be open today and tomorrow. Most are closed on Christmas Day and close early today. (Phoenix Patch)
3. Advocates of historic preservation are up in arms over plans to demolish a Midcentury Modern hotel. The property owner plans to replace the historic building with a tech-heavy hotel that's friendly to cryptocurrency. The existing hotel was likely built in the late 1950s and includes some distinct design features. (Phoenix New Times)

Today's Phoenix Daily is brought to you in part by our friends at Verizon. They're building the fastest 5G network in the country. To learn how 5G is going to change life for you and your community — and to get access to this amazing technology — click here. And thank you Verizon for sponsoring this community resource in Phoenix!

Today in Phoenix:

• Match Market & Bar Offers Christmas Eve To Go Specials. (10 a.m.)
• Phoenix City Grille Announces Christmas Eve Specials. (11 a.m.)
• Celebrate Christmas Eve with Gabriella’s Contemporary American Cuisine. (2 p.m.)
• Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse Announces Exclusive Christmas Eve Menu. (4 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• The Phoenix Police Department said its members have been overwhelmed by the generosity and care of the community since Officer Tyler Moldovan was shot while on the job last week. The Glendale neighborhood held a candlelight vigil in Moldovan's honor earlier this week. Moldovan remains in extremely critical condition. (Facebook)
• City of Phoenix offices are closed today. Call 602-261-8000 for urgent water or sewer issues. (Facebook)

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Alrighty, you're all good for today. I'll see you around!

— Caitlin Sievers

About me: I'm a passionate writer and photographer who worked as a reporter and editor for various publications in the Midwest before landing in Phoenix. I have seven roommates. Four of them are cats. Contact me at caitlin.sievers@patch.com with story ideas and feedback.