🌱 Local Toy & Bookstore Closing + Massage Therapist Gives Up License

Welcome back, Scottsdale. I'm here in your inbox today to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on in town.

But first, today's weather:

Plenty of sunshine. High: 62 Low: 42.

Shoutout to the awesome local business that keeps this newsletter running:

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 3 stories today in Scottsdale:

1. Kidstop Toys & Books in Scottsdale was featured on"Fox & Friends First" yesterday. Toy and bookstore owner Kate Tanner joined the channel's segment "Inflation in America" to discuss the reasons that led her to close after 24 years. The much-loved store is offering 10 percent off on purchases in addition to holiday gift wrapping. (Fox Business)
2. A Scottsdale massage therapist gave up his license after an allegation that he inappropriately touched a client. Juventino Tarazon, who gave the massage in question on Jul. 28 at Spa Scottsdale/Healing Harbor, signed a license surrender as part of an agreement with state regulators. Tarazon is one of several massage therapists who have recently lost or given up their licenses after complaints of inappropriate touching were lodged against them. (AZ Central)
3. Headliners have been announced for the Sports Illustrated Super Bowl pre-party in Scottsdale. The Sports Illustrated party, known as Superbowl week’s most exclusive and VIP-attended event, will take place on Feb. 11 this year. Machine Gun Kelly and The Chainsmokers will co-headline. Ticket pre-sales began yesterday with prices ranging from $500 to $100,000. (Hits96)

Today in Scottsdale:

• MV Kids Winter Camp At Meditative Vibes Wellness Center (9:00 AM)
• Sunsets & Sips At Taliesin West (5:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Scottsdale Police Department is hiring police officers. Officer starting pay is $32.10 per hour, all uniforms are necessary equipment is issued, and there are additional training and work opportunities. If interested, you can apply online. (Scottsdale Police Department via Facebook)
• Community Celebrating Diversity has named Dr. Alyx Porter Umphrey as its 2023 Diversity Champion. The Scottsdale-based non-profit organization will recognize Dr. Porter Umphrey and her contributions to the community at the 29th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Community Dinner Celebration. The celebration takes place at 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 12 at the Scottsdale Stadium fieldhouse; tickets can be purchased online at CCDArizona.org. (Office of Diversity, City of Scottsdale via Facebook)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll see you soon.

— Helen Eckhard

About me: Helen Eckhard is a marketing associate at Lightning Media Partners. Outside of work, she enjoys constructing crossword puzzles, knitting, or devising increasingly crafty ways to kill off characters in her mystery novels.