🌱 Bunny Balloon Blast Returns + EV Industry Career Panel

Hi all. It's me, Michelle Paul, your host of the Scottsdale Patch newsletter — back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in our community today.

But first, today's weather:

Afternoon showers; breezy. High: 59 Low: 38.

Shoutout to our premier local sponsors:

• Wondering if it is a good time to buy or sell a home in the Scottsdale area? Let us connect you with an experienced Scottsdale real estate agent with over a hundred 5-star ratings on Zillow! Meet local market expert, Realtor Liz McDermott of Homesmart. Liz has lived in Scottsdale since 1997 and is ranked in the top 1% of all Maricopa Realtors. Work with the best — visit Liz here or call her at 480-414-3123.

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Here are the top three stories today in Scottsdale:

1. The Bunny Balloon Blast is returning for its second year to celebrate Easter! The event will take off on Apr. 7-8 at the Salt River Fields in Scottsdale from 5:30-9 p.m. each day; you can purchase tickets here. The event will feature many kid-friendly activities, a petting zoo, free candy, tethered hot air balloon rides, vendors, a visit from the Easter bunny, and 12 hot air balloons! (KTAR.com)
2. Scottsdale Community College is planning to host a panel discussion featuring experts in the electric vehicle industry on Feb. 16 at 3 p.m. The experts will share opportunities and insight working in the rapidly-growing industry. You can learn more about the event and register to attend here. (KJZZ)
3. The Scottsdale Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee is currently considering what to do with a proposed project to build a fire department training facility. Project 38 was one of 58 projects approved by Scottsdale voters in 2019, but since then, rising inflation rates made projects significantly over budget or in need of changes to stay within budget. When Scottsdale voters approved the project, the training facility was estimated to cost $18 million; now, the project is estimated to cost $23 million. (East Valley Tribune)

From our sponsor:

Today’s Scottsdale Patch newsletter is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. T-Mobile has invested billions to light up their best network ever, covering 99% of people in America with LTE, which helps to keep communities like ours informed and connected. We thank T-Mobile for their support and for making today’s Scottsdale Patch newsletter possible.

Today in Scottsdale:

• Senior Centers: Love Is In The Air At Granite Reef Senior Center (10:00 AM)
• Know Your Chamber At Scottsdale Area Chamber Of Commerce (11:30 AM)

From my notebook:

• Are you looking for a new job, or are you perhaps toying with the idea of a new career? Check out this roundup of job opportunities available now in and around Scottsdale, including positions in customer service, automotive services, sales, and more! (Scottsdale Patch)
• Calling all pet lovers searching for a new furry family member! These adorable pets are waiting for adoption in the Scottsdale area. Learn more about pets like Church, Peach, Pirate, and more! (Scottsdale Patch)
• It's Valentine's Day! If you're looking for some last-minute ideas, check out this list of 10 last-minute destination ideas in Arizona for the day of love, including dinner at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa. (AZ Big Media)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Phoenix Online Media — (Visit website)
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Featured events:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Fresh Perks Every Week (February 14)
• Free Zoom Meeting about plumbing services in Mesa (February 15)
• Taxes in Retirement Webinar (February 21)
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You're officially in the loop for today.

— Michelle Paul

About me: Michelle Paul is a Utah-based 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.