🌱 Patch AM: Could your next 911 call in Scottsdale turn into a video chat?

Greetings Scottsdale! Your go-to source for what's happening in town is here. Stay in the loop and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

• Could your next 911 call in Scottsdale turn into a video chat?
• How Scottsdale’s 1984 sprinkler rule still shapes safer neighborhoods today
• How is Scottsdale Community College keeping 24% more students enrolled?

And lastly, we have a post from a neighbor, Celeste W.!

Today's riddle: Can February March? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Tuesday: Mostly sunny and warm, with a high of 75 and low of 47 degrees.
• Wednesday: Mostly sunny and warm, temps: high: 76, low: 49.
• Thursday: Mostly sunny and warm, with a high of 76 and low of 50 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Scottsdale tests live 911 video chats as Google rolls out Android feature (azfamily.com) — Scottsdale’s 911 dispatchers are now testing live video chats, letting them text you a secure link to show what you’re seeing during certain emergencies. Police say it’s most useful when callers aren’t in immediate danger, like reporting a wildfire, and they’re still refining when and how to use it. Make sure your smartphone software is updated if you might use this feature.
   

2. Safer homes, safer crews: Making the case for home fire sprinklers (firerescue1.com) — Scottsdale’s long-standing requirement for home fire sprinklers is highlighted as a national model for protecting both residents and firefighters, with local fire leaders explaining how the policy evolved since 1984. The story details how design trade‑offs helped developers save money while making homes safer, and shows how similar strategies are now being adopted in other fast‑growing communities.
   

3. Scottsdale Community College sees retention rate go up 24% (ktar.com) — Scottsdale Community College reports a 24% jump in student retention, crediting its required First-Year Experience program that launched in 2022. New students take one- or three-credit courses covering advising, planning, finances, and self-care, with ongoing outreach to keep them on track. The college says stronger advisor connections and clearer academic plans are helping more Scottsdale-area students stay enrolled.
   

4. Recognize Excellence: Nominations Open for 2026 Administrator of the Year (schoolbusfleet.com) — A national School Bus Fleet award will bring its 2026 Administrator of the Year to the Scottsdale Resort next September for an all-expenses-paid trip and trophy presentation. Nominations are open through Jan. 30, 2026, with organizers seeking standout school transportation leaders whose innovations, safety focus, and community impact set them apart.
   

5. Surprising Profession With High Paying Jobs Struggling To Fill Vacancies (foxsportsutahradio.com) — If you work in or are considering dentistry, Scottsdale ranks as the top city in the country for quality of life for dentists, according to a new study. The report also highlights a nationwide dentist shortage that’s causing appointment delays and heavy hiring across many practices.
   

📸 Around Scottsdale

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Scottsdale

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

Tuesday December 16

• Keyboard Conversations ®️ with Jeffrey Siegel | Beethoven—The Young Genius 
  Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts | Virginia G. Piper Theater , 7380 E 2nd St , Scottsdale
  7:30 pm

Wednesday December 17

• Ribbon Cutting - Aloft Scottsdale
  Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce , 7501 E McCormick Pkwy , Scottsdale
  4:00 pm
• đ­ - Laguna Elementary School | December Nights, December Lights!
  Laguna Elementary School
  6:00 pm

Thursday December 18

• AM Connect Hosted by Culinary Dropout
  Culinary Dropout Scottsdale Quarter , 15125 North Scottsdale Road , Scottsdale
  7:30 am
• The Hollywood Film Orchestra presents The Music of Hans Zimmer & Others – A Celebration of Film Music
  Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts | Virginia G. Piper Theater , 7380 E 2nd St , Scottsdale
  8:00 pm

Saturday December 20

• Persian Zumba Class
  Arizona Persian Cultural Center (AZPCC) , 7825 E Gelding Dr, Suite 101 , Scottsdale
  10:30 am

🗓 Events Nearby

Tuesday December 16

• Spracale Band, Orchestra, Choir Assembly
  Joseph P. Spracale Elementary , 1325 E Malibu Dr , Tempe
  8:30 am
• Family History Club
  Wickenburg Public Library , 164 E Apache St , Wickenburg
  10:00 am
• Bingo at Community Center
  Fountain Hills Community Center , 13001 N La Montana Dr , Fountain Hills
  1:30 pm
• Town Council Executive Session
  Fountain Hills, AZ Calendar
  4:00 pm
• Girls Softball Championships
  McKemy Academy of International Studies , 2250 S College Ave , Tempe
  5:00 pm
• Spracale Band, Orchestra, Choir Concert
  Joseph P. Spracale Elementary , 1325 E Malibu Dr , Tempe
  5:30 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• Found puppy last night!!
  Literally strolled right up to our front door! Isn’t chipped. Super super sweet and knows a ton of commands! I know someone must be looking for him!!! (Nextdoor Villa Monterey)
• I found a friendly lost cat.
  It is tuxedo black and white, it is mildly injured and very skinny. I will take it to the vet for a chip check tomorrow, for now it is safe, fed and… (Nextdoor McCormick Ranch)

• Arizona Staffing posted a job opening for Night Auditor and Hotel Operations in Scottsdale. Apply here.
• Premium Retail Services, Inc. posted a job opening for Seasonal Walmart Merchandiser in Scottsdale. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Scottsdale here.

Ok Scottsdale! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don't know, but April May!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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