🌱 Outrage Over Activist Arrest At 'The Zone' + Pay It Forward Award

Hello again, everybody. I'm here with your Saturday edition of the Phoenix Patch newsletter, filled with all the community information you need to know right now.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and hot. High: 111 Low: 86.

Here are the top three stories today in Phoenix:

1. Sophia Dancel, an advocate for the homeless and member of Unsheltered Phoenix, was arrested by Phoenix police in the area termed "The Zone," sparking outrage from local advocacy groups. Cell footage captured the arrest, and Dancel, a well-known figure in the area, claims she was targeted by police, referencing past incidents with officers. This arrest comes amidst a Department of Justice investigation into Phoenix PD's alleged civil rights violations, and Dancel currently faces charges of trespassing and resisting arrest. (ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix)
2. In Phoenix, a student was struck by a BB gun pellet on a school bus near 28th Drive and Cactus Road. The incident, which occurred around 4:00 p.m. on Thursday is currently under investigation by Phoenix police; however, the student did not need hospital treatment. Authorities are now seeking to contact the parents of other students involved, with further details pending. (ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix)
3. Ashley Ezell, a dedicated second-grade teacher at Saint Francis Xavier School in Phoenix, recently received the Pay It Forward award for her inspirational teaching despite being legally blind. Hartley Brundige, a former student, nominated her, praising her ability to show that challenges can be overcome with determination and the right resources. Despite her sight condition, Ezell remains passionate about teaching, frequently adapting to her environment and drawing support from her young students. (Arizona's Family)

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Today in Phoenix:

Saturday, August 26

• Puff EN Paint At The Clarendon Hotel & Spa (6:00 PM)
• Woodford Reserve Pairing Dinner At Match Market & Bar (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Arizona Humane Society is offering $0 adoption fees for all pets of all ages from now through tomorrow, Aug. 27! Fees are waived at the South Mountain Campus and PetSmart Scottsdale location (Miller/Camelback). (Arizona Humane Society via Facebook)
• According to the Phoenix Fire Department, 15 people have been displaced due to an apartment fire located near 19th Ave and Buckeye Rd. No injuries were reported. Click the link to view photos. (Phoenix Fire Department via Facebook)
• Do you need help paying for housing? The Phoenix Section 8 waitlist is opening for pre-applications from Sep. 12-26. (City of Phoenix, AZ USA via Facebook)

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• Touch Of Class Alterations — (Visit website)
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Featured events:

• Cassia at Vistancia Grand Opening and Open House (August 26)
• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Fresh Perks Every Week (August 29)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday off right. I'll see you around!

— Miranda Fraraccio

About me: Miranda Fraraccio is a staff writer for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners. She is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island, where she earned degrees in Writing & Rhetoric and Communication Studies. In her free time, you can find her traveling, drinking tea, or practicing film photography.