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 December 2021
Happy Holidays District 3 Neighbors!
We have entered the holiday season and I hope you take advantage of all the events happening in our city, especially the celebrations taking place at Marry Main St. Read along to find out what exciting things are happening in Mesa and what resources we continue to offer. The City Council will be going on recess after our last council meeting on December 8th. I would like to remind you that my door is always open and I always appreciate hearing from you.
Please have a safe and joyful holiday season and if I can ever help you, you can contact my office: District3@mesaaz.gov or 480-644-6275.
~Councilmember Francisco Heredia
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The Annual District 3 Toy Drive is here!
Bring a new, unwrapped toy to the Dobson Ranch Golf Course and take advantage of the deals they are offering in partnership with our toy drive!🪀🏈🎮
Donations will go to fill the toy closets at Banner Children's at Desert Medical Center for this holiday season. 🎄🎅🏽🎁
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Emergency Rental & Utility Assistance Program
The Emergency Rental and Utility Assistance Program (ERAP) was established in response to COVID pandemic financial impact to Mesa residents. The program provides financial assistance to households financially impacted by COVID for rent and utility assistance to prevent eviction and homelessness.
If you have questions, please call 480-644-5440 or email ERAPinfo@mesaaz.gov for assistance.
Visit the Emergency Rental and Utility Assistance Program webpage to learn more!
Mortgage Assistance - Foreclosure Prevention Program
The City of Mesa is accepting applications for the Foreclosure Prevention Program. This is an online application and available in English and Spanish. Paper applications are available for those who require special assistance. For more information, see Instructions for Persons with Disabilities and Person with Limited English (linked below). All applicants are subject to regulations and policies governing the HUD Community Development Block Grant (CDBG).
Who can apply: Mesa residents (families and individuals) who have legal presence.
How to apply: Applications will be accepted until funding is exhausted. Click here to apply!

Friendly Reminder about Fireworks
The holiday season is a reason for celebration, which also means that firework season is upon us. Although fireworks are a tradition with many, please remember to celebrate safely. The best way to do that, is by knowing the laws and being mindful of those around you. Here are some firework safety tips:
- Firecracker blasts cause anxiety and impact the well-being of individuals who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Use only on private property with the owner’s permission.
- Fireworks are not allowed in public parks, retention basins or other public facilities.
- Light fireworks away from brush, leaves and combustible materials.
- Always have a bucket of water and or a fire extinguisher nearby.
- Report illegal use of fireworks 480-644-2211 with specific location information.
Please visit the City of Mesa Fireworks Page to learn more!
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 The District 3 Council Office is going on the road to highlight local restaurants within our district! Follow my social media accounts to check out our features! This past month, I visited Intentional Foods for their grand re-opening.
After Ned and Lisa Heath’s four-year-old daughter Sarah nearly died of a peanut allergy, they opened @IntentionalFoods — an allergy-friendly restaurant — in December 2018.
But when the pandemic hit, these small business owners were in trouble.
The Mesa CARES program stepped up to help businesses struggling in the pandemic. We offered Intentional Foods assistance with signage, reimbursement for the addition of their patio, and gave them access to the @JoinHUUB platform.
HUUB is an online resource and community for small business owners in Mesa made in partnership with @COHOOTSPhx, providing free workshops, one-on-one help from local professionals, and grant opportunities. I hope Ned and Lisa's story reaches our community and our small business owners so they may take advantage of the resources the City of Mesa offers.
Let us know about your favorite spots in District 3 and we will come visit!
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Great to be at the Phoenix Pride Parade with Councilmember Julie Spilsbury, Councilmember David Luna, Tempe Mayor Corey Woods and Tempe Councilmember Jennifer Adams! 🏳️🌈 #PhoenixPrideParade2021
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Celebrated GAIN (Getting Arizona Involved in Neighborhoods). It was great to visit the various neighborhoods in District 3. Thanks to all the neighbors and staff that participated! It was a much needed interaction.
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It was an honor to participate in the East Valley Veterans Parade! Thank you to all the women and men that have served and continue to serve our country. #VeteransDay2021
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Attended #TurkeyTuesday in partnership with United Food Bank! 🦃 This was a donation event at the Mesa Convention Center to provide a Thanksgiving meal to our residents in need.
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As Chair of Valley Metro, it was an honor to attend the full funding grant agreement for the Northwest Extension Phase II, alongside federal and local elected officials and community members. This extension will promote job growth and economic development and provide access to great amenities throughout the Valley.
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 December 2 - December 5 - Mesa International Film Festival
Visit MesaFilmFestival.com for complete updates and details. Free Admissions to all screenings for Police, Fire & Medical, EMT, Military Members, Doctors and Nurses. For more info contact info@MesaFilmFestival.com
November 26 - January 2 - Merry Main Street
Join the holiday festivities in Downtown Mesa! Visit Merry Main Street to learn more!
🕎 Mesa's Menorah: Be sure to stop by and see the 12ft. Mesa Menorah as part of the celebration. The large menorah will have a light added nightly beginning Nov. 28 through Dec. 6. Make plans to take part in the new tradition.
⛸ Winter Wonderland Ice Rink: Downtown Mesa will have an ice skating rink just outside City Plaza. The Winter Wonderland Ice Rink is a great way to enjoy the amazing winter weather while skating under the stars.
🎅🏽 Visits with Santa: FREE visits with Santa Fridays and Saturdays! Bring your cell phone or camera for pictures.
🎄 Mesa Polar Express: In the tradition of that magical train, carrying children to meet Santa Claus, come join us as we zoom down Merry Main Street. In our special Light Rail car, we will sing songs, enjoy cookies and, best of all, maybe meet Santa! Wear your pajamas and enjoy the season in the childlike and festive tradition of the Polar Express.
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The Mesa City Council holds two Council meetings a month, in addition to weekly study sessions. City Council and advisory board meetings will operate on a hybrid system. Public participation will be available using either blue comment cards found in the City Council chambers or by submitting an online comment card through the video and audio-conferencing platform Zoom. The process for citizens to participate in the meetings can be found here.
Mesa will also continue to broadcast its council and study session meetings live on Mesa Channel 11's YouTube page and Facebook.
The agendas are available here.
December Council Meetings Wednesday, December 1 - 5:45 p.m. Wednesday, December 8 - 5:45 p.m.
December Study Sessions Wednesday, December 1 - 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 8 - 5:15 p.m.
*- Meetings subject to start time changes
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