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 June/July 2022
Hello District 4 Neighbors!
I hope this message finds you in good spirits and well hydrated. Though summer officially starts on June 21, we've certainly been experiencing extreme temperatures the last several weeks. Please stay cool and safe and check-in with those who may be at high risk for heat related illnesses. There are some great resources in this newsletter as well as online at www.mesaaz.gov/H2Omesa.
There is much to celebrate too! June is Pride Month. The City celebrates and honors our Mesa LGBTQ+ community. For a list resources for LGBTQ+ and allies click Here. This month we also recognize Juneteenth on June 19. Now a federally recognized holiday, Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. This newsletter includes a list of events celebrating Juneteenth. Lastly, Happy Father's Day to all of the dads out there. I appreciate all that you do!
Don't miss the Arizona Celebration of Freedom on July 4, for Arizona’s biggest and best FREE family event. There will be fireworks, live music, patriotic displays, a naturalization ceremony, a BMX stunt show, a car show, and much more!
Thank you for being a part of the Mesa community! As always, if I can ever be of assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at district4@mesaaz.gov or 480-644-3004.
-Vice Mayor Jenn Duff
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Every June 19th, we celebrate African American freedom. Although the Emancipation Proclamation became official on January 1st, 1863, it was not until two and a half years later that the Union soldiers arrived in Texas and shared that the war had ended and African Americans were free from bondage. The City is honoring Juneteenth with several community celebrations.
Mesa Public Library Red Mountain Branch is hosting a performance by Kawambe-Omowale African Drum & Dance featuring drumming, dancing, singing, and storytelling. The performance is Friday, July 17 at 3 p.m. More information on the event can be found at this Link.
Friday, July 17, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at 1 N Macdonald in Downtown Mesa stop by the Zen Nights Vegan Block Party special Juneteenth celebration! Enjoy this free, family-friendly with more than 40 vegan and cruelty-free food vendors, a live DJ, a live cooking demo, and special guest invited speakers. More information on the Facebook Event Page.
June 16 - June 23, stop by the Mesa Public Library Main Branch lobby to view the Juneteenth Exhibit: Matriarchs of Washington Park. Celebrate the Black and Brown women who demonstrated courageous efforts of community activism, artistry and kinship in the face of racism and misogyny. These matriarchs of Washington Park will be honored through a series of portraits. Curator Bruce Nelson has assembled a talented group of artists to create these paintings: Carla Keaton, Todd Bailey and Brie Bartz. More Information.
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The summer heat is upon us! We have already had several days of excessive heat warnings this year. The City of Mesa has numerous resources, including hydration and cooling stations for those in need of heat relief this summer. Please stay hydrated and cool.
Anyone experiencing homelessness, the elderly, vulnerable individuals or anyone who needs a place to cool down can visit the Heat Relief Station at The Salvation Army Mesa Citadel at 241 E. 6th St. Mesa, AZ 85201 any day from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. through September 30. You can expect air-conditioning, water, food and a safe place to rest from the sun. For more information visit https://mesa.salvationarmy.org/.
There are also many locations around Mesa for people in need to get off the streets, rest, cool off and receive food and water during excessive heat warnings in the valley. For a complete list of hydration and cooling stations visit www.mesaaz.gov/H2OMesa.
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Summer Monsoon Season is on the Horizon! Summer ushers in the season of storms, when a monsoon may start quickly and lead to downed power lines and trees, power outages and flooded streets in a matter of minutes. The elderly and homebound individuals are among the most vulnerable during the monsoon. Mesa reminds you to check on those living near you to make sure they stay safe.
All Mesa residents are encouraged to have an evacuation plan for the most severe instances and have a disaster kit with water, non-perishable foods, flashlights, batteries, medications and first aid supplies. Pet owners should also have a disaster kit for their four-legged friends. Mesa also encourages its residents to stay updated on current weather forecasts. Free sand and bags (pre-filled or fill your own) are available for residents at locations around the City.
For additional storm preparation information, locations to obtain sandbags, and a complete list of contact numbers, visit www.mesaaz.gov/storm.
The City of Mesa also uses Twitter and Facebook to provide updates related to emergency situations. Follow the city on Twitter @cityofmesa and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CityofMesa.
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All fireworks, both permissible or illegal, are dangerous and can cause severe injuries and damaging fires. Ensure you have a safe and happy 4th of July and please consider forgoing personal firework usage this year and instead visit the Arizona Celebration of Freedom in Downtown Mesa to enjoy a fantastic professional fireworks display.
If you still plan on using legal fireworks, ensure that they are properly disposed of. Always, dispose of fireworks, even unexploded or duds, into a bucket of water overnight. Do not simply throw them away in the garbage. Fireworks often retain heat which can be transferred to items within the enclosed trash can causing a fire that can quickly spread to your home.
For more information on permissible (legal) types of consumer fireworks, usage, and pet safety visit https://fire.mesaaz.gov/community-outreach/fireworks.
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Mesa has launched its Together Mesa initiative to advance equity, inclusion and accessibility in Mesa. Mesa is home to over 500 thousand people of different races, places of origins, faiths, identities and abilities, per the U.S. Census. This citywide effort aims to increase citizen engagement while fostering awareness and understanding of the City's growing population.
As part of Together Mesa, the City will develop a collection of curated content to showcase and amplify the diverse voices of our communities. Other future Together Mesa projects will include a Community Learning Series and a multicultural Spotify music playlist. These offerings provide an opportunity to learn directly from community members and delve into the diverse experiences and perspectives that make up our city. To learn more about Together Mesa, visit www.mesaaz.gov/togethermesa.
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Are you or a friend financially impacted during COVID-19? We can help!
The City of Mesa is accepting applications for the Emergency Rental & Utility Assistance Program.
Visit the webpage for more information and eligibility, call (480) 644-5440, email ERAPinfo@mesaaz.gov or APPLY ONLINE TODAY.
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The dog days of summer have arrived. Mesa Animal Control is reminding residents that temperatures inside a car can increase by 20 degrees in just 10 minutes! It is too hot to leave your dog in a car, even with windows cracked. If the weather is warm, leave your animals at home. Call 911 if you see an animal locked in a vehicle. Learn more about Mesa Animal Control.
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June 18 - Dive-In Movie
Watch Disney's Encanto movie while floating in the pool! Cost is $4 per person and pre-registration is required. Come and enjoy a family-friendly event at Brimhall Aquatic Complex! Event begins at 7:30 p.m.
June 21 - Resident's Guide to Community and Civic Engagement
Learn the ins and outs of City government and how to get more involved, and the impact of serving on City advisory boards. This class takes place at the Mesa City Council Chambers where public meetings happen. Learn how to become more involved in decision making, leadership roles, the impact of serving on City advisory and nonprofit community boards and how to be appointed to one. You will get to tour Mesa's Council Chambers and learn to how participate in public meetings. Space is limited. Register today.
June 29 - Proposed Zoning Amendments Virtual Public Meeting
The City of Mesa Planning Division is holding a public meeting to discuss proposed zoning ordinance text amendments concerning the following topics: drive thru's, temporary uses, outdoor eating. The meeting will be conducted virtually through Zoom. To join the meeting please use the following link: https://mesa11.zoom.us/j/89335514834.
For more information on the meeting topics please visit the Planning Department's Special Projects Page.
July 4 - Independence Day - City Offices Closed
July 4 - Titan Solar Arizona Celebration of Freedom
The Arizona Celebration of Freedom will be full of entertainment, live music, patriotic displays, family fun, fireworks and much more! It will be held July 4 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Mesa Amphitheatre and Mesa Convention Center, 263 N. Center St., and along Center Street between Second Street and University Drive. For more information visit www.azcelebrationoffreedom.org.
July 13 - Mesa Fire & Medical Monthly Immunization Clinic
Free immunizations to eligible children from birth to age 18. Certain eligibility requirements. Clinic is located within Superstition Springs Center. For more information click Here.
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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.
Council agendas are available Here.
June Council Meetings
Monday, June 20 - 5:45 p.m.
Tuesday, July 5 - 5:45 p.m.
Monday, July 11 - 5:45 p.m.
May/June Study Sessions
Monday, June 20 - 4:30 p.m.
Thursday, June 23 - 7:30 a.m.
Thursday, June 30 - 7:30 a.m.
Tuesday, July 5 - 4:30 p.m.
Thursday, July 7 - 7:30 a.m.
Monday, July 11 - 4:30 p.m.
Audit, Finance & Enterprise Council Committee Meeting
Thursday, June 30 - 8:00 a.m.
*- Meetings subject to start time changes
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