🌱 "The Zone" Second Round Of Cleanup + Goodyear Man Exposes Himself

Good morning, everybody. It's Thursday in Phoenix and I'm back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening locally.

But first, today's weather:

Some sun, then clouds. High: 67 Low: 47.

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Here are the top three stories today in Phoenix:

1. Yesterday morning (Jan. 4), a second round of cleanup was conducted at "The Zone" in downtown Phoenix. The cleanup comes after a federal lawsuit filed by the ACLU that put restrictions on how the city conducts sweeps and handles personal property. The City of Phoenix, Human Services Campus, and Community Bridges got to work at about 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday morning. Once the cleanup is complete, everyone will be able to return to the area; however, those seeking a shelter option can get help from staff to transport them to an available indoor location. (FOX 10 News Phoenix)
2. A man in nearby Goodyear has been accused of exposing himself to Bikini Beans Coffee employees. According to police, 24-year-old Raul Mena allegedly showed his genitalia to an employee after she took his order at the drive-thru. The employee reported what she saw, leading two other employees to investigate; they also reported seeing his genitalia. While the suspect left the parking lot after getting his drink, officers found his license plate using surveillance camera footage and eventually arrested him near Van Buren and Estrella Parkway. Mena, who has numerous previous arrests — including being convicted of sexual conduct with a minor — faces another charge of indecent exposure. (FOX 10 News Phoenix)
3. On Tuesday night, at least 100 Valley firefighters responded to a blaze at a north Phoenix hotel. Reports of a fire in the ballroom at the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa hotel came in around 5:00 p.m., according to a press release. Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Glendale firefighters responded to the blaze which caused no injuries. The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation. (KTAR.com)

Today in Phoenix:

• Moon Meditation Workshop At Japanese Friendship Garden Of Phoenix (7:00 PM)
• Rebirth Full Moon Festival At Sutra Studios (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Arizona Humane Society took its longest resident (who has been awaiting adoption for nearly 160 days) on a special field trip! Click the link to view photos or learn more about adopting here. (Arizona Humane Society via Facebook)
• New Year’s Eve was a busy one for the Phoenix Police Department's Street Racing Task Force. Multiple illegal intersection takeovers and races throughout the city were stopped. With the help of patrol officers from all precincts, there were three felony arrests, seven misdemeanor arrests, three guns seized, and four vehicles towed. (Phoenix Police Department via Facebook)
• Phoenix artist is honoring her great grandmother's quilt — but with a very different material. Click to learn more about "Re-Vitalized," which runs through Jan. 7 at Vision Gallery in nearby Chandler. (KJZZ)

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Events:

• Jan 6: Birthday Fundraiser for Competitive Step Dancing Team (January 6)
• Online discussion with Glendale divorce attorneys (January 15)
• Crossing Over with Psychic Medium John Edward (Live)! (January 22)
• Le Creuset Factory to Table (February 2)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday! See you tomorrow morning for your next 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.