🌱 New AI Q&A Text Service + City Looks To Remove More Unused Grass

Good morning, neighbors! It's Friday in Scottsdale and I'm back in your inbox with everything that's fit to print about what's happening in the community today.

But first, today's weather:

Beautiful with clouds and sun. High: 70 Low: 44.

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Here are the top three stories today in Scottsdale:

1. Scottdale is piloting a new text-based AI service to answer common questions about local events, city services, and businesses in Old Town Scottsdale. The city is looking to expand the program, called Hello Scottsdale, into other areas around the city and is seeking feedback to improve the service. (Subscription: Daily Independent)
2. In a continued effort to cut its water usage, Scottsdale has begun removing what it considers to be unused grass throughout the city. So far, the city has removed 62,000 square feet of grass and is now looking at removing grass at parks like Eldorado Park. (Arizona's Family)
3. Old Town Scottsdale recently welcomed GEST Carts, a car transportation service that uses 100 percent electric carts. Those interested in using this sustainable transportation option can use an app to request a ride, similar to how services like Uber or Lyft work. Currently, rides with one of the six GEST Carts are free, thanks to local partnerships. (Subscription: Daily Independent)

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Today in Scottsdale:

• 65th Annual Hashknife Pony Express Arrival At Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum Of The West (11:00 AM)
• The Drowsy Chaperone At Desert Stages Theatre (7:30 PM)
• Neil Simon's The Sunshine Boys At Desert Stages Theatre (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Pull on your sneakers and your garters for Scottsdale's annual Cupid's Undie Run on Saturday, Feb. 4. The charity run is open to runners 21 years of age and older and raises funds for the Children's Tumor Foundation. (Phoenix New Times)
• Join the Scottsdale Police Department Citizens' Academy for its upcoming spring session. Applications are due on Sunday, Feb. 5. (Scottsdale Police Department via Facebook)
• It's almost Valentine's Day, and if you're parents of a child in first through fifth grade looking for a chance to have a night to yourselves, sign your child up for the Horizon Community Center's event, Parent's Night Out: Cupid's Little Helpers! Children will enjoy a fun, supervised night of pizza and activities on Friday, Feb. 10 from 6:15 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (Scottsdale Parks & Recreation via Facebook)

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• Free Zoom Meeting about plumbing services in Mesa (February 15)
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Thanks for following along and staying informed. See you all tomorrow for another update!

— Michelle Paul

About me: Michelle Paul is a writer and photographer with a professional background in content management and registered nursing. When not working on projects ranging from photo editing to copywriting, they enjoy traveling, video games, and expanding their skills.