🌱 Phoenix May Legalize Backyard Casitas + Free Health Services

Hi there, Phoenix! Like many of you, the Patch staff will be taking some time off for the Fourth of July. I’ll be back in your inbox after the holiday, but until then, here’s what’s happening in town today.

But first, your local weather:

• Tuesday: Sunshine and hot. High: 111 Low: 83.
• Wednesday: Sunshine and very warm. High: 110 Low: 82.

Here are the top three stories in Phoenix today:

1. Phoenix has announced plans to legalize backyard casitas, duplexes, and triplexes as part of its efforts to address the affordable housing shortage in Arizona. The proposed policy aims to allow fully functioning living units in residential areas citywide, accompanying single-family homes, with separate definitions for duplexes and triplexes. Supporters believe that casitas will increase housing options and density, resulting in more affordable living choices, while critics argue that they may be used for short-term rentals and fail to address the needs of permanent residents most in need. The full City Council is expected to vote on the measure on Sep. 6 after receiving input from committees and commissions. (The Arizona Republic)
2. The Liberty and Health Alliance will be offering free health, medical, and dental services in Phoenix tomorrow (Jul. 5) through Jul. 7 at the Phoenix Convention Center. With a budget of $10 million, the three-day event will provide a range of treatments and screenings on a first-come, first-serve basis. Services include dental procedures such as X-rays, cleanings, fillings, and extractions, medical examinations such as well-woman exams, pap smears, and back-to-school physicals, and vision care including eye evaluations and free glasses. Free entry and on-site childcare will be available. (ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix)
3. In June, several restaurants, bakeries, and wine bars in metro Phoenix closed their doors, including Matta's Mexican Food, a family-owned restaurant that had been serving customers for 70 years. While some establishments plan to reopen or relocate, such as Breadcrafters, which has moved to 32nd Street and Union Hills Drive inside the former Cortado Coffee Roastery, others bid farewell for good. The closures coincided with the opening of new dining and drinking establishments in the area, showcasing the ever-changing landscape of the Valley's culinary scene. Click the link to view a list of the closed eateries. (The Arizona Republic)

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

Do you have large medical bills? Resolve helps everyday patients get a fair price on their medical bills. They do it all from appealing insurance, negotiating with the hospital, finding billing errors, and finding financial assistance opportunities. Medical bills are what they do. See how Resolve has saved patients $28 Million and how they can help you too here.

Want to see your business featured in this spot? Click here to get started.

Today and tomorrow in Phoenix:

Tuesday, July 4

• Annual 4th Of July Parade And Celebration At Royal Palm Park (8:00 AM)
• Fabulous Phoenix Fourth At Steele Indian School Park (6:00 PM)

Wednesday, July 5

• Embodiment - No Risk, No Magic At Sutra Studios (7:00 PM)
• The Legend Of Georgia McBride At Herberger Theater Center (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• On Sunday, Phoenix experienced its hottest day of the year so far, reaching a scorching 115 degrees, accompanied by an excessive heat warning issued for 11 counties in Arizona. (KJZZ)
• During the month of July, Four Peaks Brewery is running a promotion called Pints for Teachers at The Spot Neighborhood Grill in nearby Scottsdale where $1 from every Four Peaks beer sold will go towards the Four Peaks for Teachers fund. The initiative benefits teachers by providing supply kits and grants to support their work. (ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix)
• The City of Phoenix has been selected by Bloomberg Philanthropies as one of 17 finalist cities to receive up to $1 million as part of its Public Art Challenge. (City of Phoenix, AZ USA via Facebook)

That's it for today. See you all soon for another 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.