🌱 Winds Reaching 50 This Week + Phoenix PD Signs 30X30 Initiative​

Hello again, hello! It's me, Miranda Fraraccio, your host of the Phoenix Patch newsletter. Here's all the community news you need to know right now.

But first, today's weather:

Breezy in the afternoon. High: 73 Low: 51.

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Here are the top three stories in Phoenix today:

1. Forecasters are warning residents to secure loose yard items and anticipate difficult driving conditions this week, with expected winds to reach at least 50 miles per hour in metro Phoenix. The National Weather Service said the gusty conditions will likely start late today (Feb. 21) and into Wednesday. By tomorrow, temperatures are expected to crash to 60 degrees with a low of 42 degrees. Higher terrain areas of the state could see wind gusts up to 60 miles per hour and will experience snow this week. (KTAR.com)
2. The Phoenix Police Department (PPD) signed a national initiative to recruit more women officers. By signing the 30X30 initiative, PPD agreed to report its efforts identifying and addressing the obstacles women officers face in recruitment and throughout their careers, according to the actual pledge. Sgt. Melissa Soliz said PPD has just over 14 percent of females in the department. The nationwide average is 12 percent. The 30X30 initiative’s mission is to increase women police recruits by 30 percent by 2030. (12news.com KPNX)
3. Semiconductor modification company HyRel Technologies announced it began operating out of its Peoria manufacturing facility. The $15 million, 20,000-square-foot facility created 50 jobs, the company said, and will focus on semiconductors, touchless robotic processing systems, and contract manufacturing services. Phoenix will host the country's largest semiconductor and microchips conference in 2025, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company announced it would build a second facility in north Phoenix. (KTAR.com)

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Today in Phoenix:

• Unarmed Guard Card Training Course At LionHeart Security Services (9:00 AM)
• The Alchemist: Central Flow At Sutra Studios (12:00 PM)
• NULU Whiskey Pairing Dinner At Phoenix City Grille (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• This year, the Arizona Humane Society (AHS) will host a special Animal Doctors Camp for kids ages 9-12. This STEAM early career-discovery program for young animal enthusiasts focuses on the science of veterinary medicine, animal behavior, and the joy of pets. Campers will experience hands-on learning through interactions with their teachers and engaging activities focusing on animal anatomy and physiology. Learn more and secure your child's spot here. (Arizona Humane Society via Facebook)
• The Phoenix Fire Department shared a post highlighting the recent implementation of a traffic signal at one of the top three busiest roads in the Phoenix area. The City of Phoenix Water Services Department and the City of Phoenix Street Transportation Department lent a helping hand! (Phoenix Fire Department via Facebook)
• The City of Phoenix is developing a program to potentially assist private property owners affected by homelessness in their neighborhoods. The Neighborhood Services Department announced its Private Property Cleanup Program pilot designed to alleviate the burden of maintaining the safety and cleanliness of private property owners' neighborhoods when people experiencing homelessness seek refuge in or transition through the neighborhoods. The city is seeking input from the community on this potential pilot program! You can share your thoughts here. (City of Phoenix Neighborhood Services Department via Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Tuesday. I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning with another 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.