🌱 'The Zone' Clean Up Continues + Phoenix PD Seeking Female Recruits

Hello, hello! It's me, Miranda Fraraccio, your host of the Phoenix Patch newsletter — here to impart everything that's fit to print about what's happening in town.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and delightful. High: 91 Low: 70.

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Here are the top three stories today in Phoenix:

1. The city of Phoenix is currently working to clear out a massive homeless encampment located in the downtown area. This specific area is also known as "The Zone," and clean up initiatives were ordered earlier this month by a judge after local businesses and residents took legal action to make sure this area remains free of trash, biohazards, and any structures that block the public's right of way. The city has until mid-July to show evidence of the clean up and once the area is clear, officials will focus on preventing individuals from returning. (Fox 10 Phoenix)
2. On Sunday, May 28, Phoenix police arrested an 18-year-old male who was responsible for killing a pregnant woman in a fatal collision. Saul Figueroa was traveling northbound on 71st Avenue where he ran a red light and collided with a White Chrysler 300, which was being driven by 23-year-old Ruby Lopez Lopez. According to police records, Ruby was ejected from her vehicle and later pronounced dead at the scene. (AZCentral.com)
3. The Phoenix Police Department is working to find additional female recruits to make sure their officers consist of at least 30 percent women within the next seven years. This initiative is part of a pledge the department signed earlier this year and is based on research that incorporating more women into law enforcement could result in fewer lawsuits and incidents of excessive force. Currently, the department's gender makeup is about 14 percent women, which is just above the national average. (12news.com)

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Today in Phoenix:

• Phoenix Fan Fusion At Phoenix Convention Center (8:30 AM)

From my notebook:

• A new method of transportation is coming to Phoenix with the goal of making roads less congested while providing commuters with multiple options to get to their destinations. The Bus Rapid Transit system is essentially another type of bus service that includes roadways specifically dedicated to buses, and gives priority to buses at intersections where they may interact with other traffic. If you're interested in sharing any feature or route recommendations, visit here to let officials know what would be most helpful for you. (AZFamily.com)
• This weekend, Fan Fusion's comic book convention will officially be taking place at the Phoenix Convention Center. The event will be filled with a number of different activities, booths, and exhibits for fans of any kind to immerse themselves in. For more information on how to attend, visit here. (City of Phoenix)
• Looking for a new furry friend to bring home just in time for summer? The Arizona Humane Society has a variety of adorable dogs with waived adoption fees ready to find their forever home, all thanks to the Petfinder Foundation. If you are interested in bringing one of these sweet pups home, stop by the shelter to meet them. (Arizona Humane Society)

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You're all caught up for today! See you all tomorrow for 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.