🌱 Water Usage Rights Changes + Honorary Purple Heart Ceremony

Hey, everybody! Miranda Fraraccio here with your fresh copy of the Phoenix Patch newsletter. Keep reading to find out all the local information you need to know right now.

But first, today's weather:

Cool with clouds and sun. High: 72 Low: 57.

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Here are the top three stories today in Phoenix:

1. Beginning on Mar. 20, proposed changes to water usage rates and a Stormwater Excise Tax in Phoenix will be introduced to the community in a series of public meetings. The changes are designed to help the Phoenix Water Services Department keep up with inflation and legislation. Click here to learn more about the potential rate increase or view a schedule of public meetings, running between the months of March and May. (KTAR.com)
2. On Saturday, Mar. 18, 72-year-old U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and Phoenix native Joseph Robert "Joe Bob" Garcia received a Purple Heart decoration ceremony after waiting for more than 50 years. Garcia's friends, family, and the Military Order of the Purple Heart came out to the American Legion Post 41 to surprise the veteran in honor of his time in Vietnam many years ago. (The Arizona Republic)
3. German Tapia Quiroz, 48, has been arrested after allegedly hitting two women with a car Friday night in Phoenix, then fleeing the scene. Police responded around 7:45 p.m. to a call near Thomas Road and 22nd Street, where they found the two injured women in the street. Both women were taken to a nearby hospital with serious injuries, but are in stable condition as of Sunday evening. (Arizona's Family)

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Today in Phoenix:

• Chunk Up A Deuce at Sutra Studios (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• AHS' Veterinary Clinic team will provide free services to pets at three Food City locations in Phoenix including McDowell Rd & 51st Avenue, Thomas Road & 67th Avenue, and Southern Avenue and 7th Avenue. This event is first-come, first-served with 150 spots available at each location. (Arizona Humane Society via Facebook)
• This past weekend, the Phoenix Fire Department installed over 50 smoke detectors in the same community that tragically lost a family following a fire on the evening of Mar. 1. Working alongside community partners, the Phoenix Fire Department prides itself in not only responding to emergencies but also working diligently to prevent them. (Phoenix Fire Department via Facebook)
• In celebration of its 125th anniversary, the Phoenix Public Library's Acacia Branch is welcoming community members to come in and share their love for the establishment. You will have the opportunity to leave a little note of appreciation at their Sunny Slope location or submit a story online here. (Phoenix Public Library via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Free Stuff And Great Perks Every Week (March 21)
• Free Zoom Meeting about female divorce attorneys in Mesa (March 25)
• American Diabetes Association Alert Day® — Are You At Risk? (March 28)
• Crossing Over With Psychic Medium John Edward Live! (April 15)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Monday! I'll see you soon.

— 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.