🌱 Phoenix City Council Approves Water Rate Hike + 'Free Bikes 4 Kids'

Hello all. It's me, Miranda Fraraccio, your host of the Phoenix Patch newsletter — back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening locally.

But first, today's weather:

Very warm with plenty of sun. High: 108 Low: 79.

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Here are the top three stories in Phoenix today:

1. On Wednesday, the Phoenix City Council approved a water rate hike in a 7-2 vote, aiming to combat inflation and promote water conservation. The rate increase will be implemented in phases, starting with a 6.5 percent raise in October, followed by another 6.5 percent increase in March, and a larger 13 percent raise in March 2025. To further encourage conservation, the city will limit water usage for businesses and residents, reducing the summer allowance from 7,500 to 6,000 gallons per month in 2024, with additional charges of $4 per month for exceeding the limit. The council's decision received support from most attendees, prioritizing long-term affordability and water availability, while acknowledging potential short-term challenges and expanding city assistance for lower-income households. (Arizona's Family)
2. "Free Bikes 4 Kids Phoenix" generously donated 75 restored bikes and helmets to children at the Bella Estrella summer camp in Guadalupe on Wednesday, bringing joy to the kids and promoting exercise and well-being. The non-profit organization, which started its Phoenix chapter in 2022, has seen remarkable growth this year, giving away nearly triple the number of bikes compared to the previous year. The initiative not only provides children in underserved communities with transportation but also allows families to allocate saved funds towards essential needs such as school supplies and groceries. (ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix)
3. A man in nearby Scottsdale, Jose Teran, 38, has been sentenced to 70 months in prison for his involvement in a major music royalty fraud operation. Teran, along with his co-conspirator Webster Bastista, faced multiple charges including conspiracy, wire fraud, transactional money laundering, and aggravated identity theft. They illicitly monetized music on YouTube and established MediaMuv L.L.C. to misappropriate royalty proceeds, claiming ownership of over 50,000 song titles and amassing approximately $23,400,000 through their fraudulent activities. The case was investigated by the IRS, and while Teran has already been sentenced, Bastista's sentencing is scheduled for August 2023. (KTAR.com)

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Today in and around Phoenix:

Friday, June 30

• Rhythmic Nights Featuring DJ Dizzee At Revolu Modern Taqueria + Bar (6:00 PM)
• After Dark Cabaret — Wizard Of Oz At Arizona Broadway Theatre, Peoria (9:00 PM)

In partnership with T-Mobile:

Father's Day has come and gone, but that doesn't mean we have to stop celebrating rad dads, past and present. Patch partnered with T-Mobile to shine a light on exceptional fathers in communities like Phoenix. Click here to meet 13 awesome dads and learn more about the legacies they're leaving behind.

From my notebook:

• During the Phoenix Police Department's annual Phoenix Police Youth Experience, seventh and eighth graders got to learn about safety and law enforcement functions with Phoenix Police Department officers. Click the link to view photos from the event, which is sponsored by the Phoenix Police Foundation. (Phoenix Police Department via Facebook)
• Phoenix Fire Department warns residents to keep safety in mind when handling fireworks — even if they're "legal" fireworks. View tips on how to keep you and your family safe here. (Phoenix Fire Department via Facebook)
• The City of Phoenix offices will be closed on Tuesday, Jul. 4, in observance of Independence Day. However, trash and recycling services are not affected by the holiday. (City of Phoenix, AZ USA via Facebook)

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

— 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.