Bike to Books Contest

Mesa’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Program is pleased to announce our first Bike to Books contest in partnership with Mesa Public Library. Youth are invited to design original art for a chance to have their work placed on a shared use path! Bike to Books encourages communities to bike more, read more books and look for opportunities to combine the two by biking to a public library or neighborhood little library.

Natural Gas Meter Safety

When it comes to your natural gas meter, follow these simple guidelines to protect yourself and your family.

• Keep the area in front of and around your meter clear. Our employees must be able to access the meter at all times.
• Do not stack anything on your gas meter.
• Depending on meter location, bollards (vertical posts) may be required for protection against vehicular damage (cars, boats, trailers, etc.)
• Avoid planting trees, shrubs, or bushes within three feet of your meter. As plants grow, roots can damage piping or the gas meter.

Back to School Helmet Distribution Popups

Mesa Public Schools is back in session starting Thursday, August 3 and City of Mesa's Bicycle and Pedestrian Program wants to help you ride back safely. Join us at your local Mesa Public Library for one of the Helmet Distribution Events to pick up a new helmet.

Tuesday, August 1

10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Main Library, ThinkSpot

2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Dobson Ranch Library, ThinkSpot

Wednesday, August 2

12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Red Mountain Library, Program Room

*Staff will be distributing free helmets and fit guides while supplies last. A parent or legal guardian must be present to sign a waiver for children under the age of 18 and the person receiving the helmet will need to be present at the event.

Plastic Free July: Small Steps, Big Difference

Plastic Free July is a global movement aimed at helping people be part of the solution to curb plastic pollution. For Mesa, this campaign aligns with our Mesa Climate Action Plan and the focus area of Materials Management (the City has set a goal of diverting 90 percent of waste from the landfill by 2050).

How does your plastic use stack up? Visit the Plastic Free July website to take the pesky plastics quiz or sign up for the July challenge. Then get started reducing your plastic waste with these tips. Easy swaps can make a big difference.

• Switch from plastic bottles to soap and shampoo bars to reduce packaging.
• Opt out of single-use plastic utensils for take-out food by choosing reusable options.
• Bring your own reusable shopping and produce bags.
• Use your own reusable water bottle instead of buying plastic ones.
• Refuse plastic straws when buying drinks.
• When purchasing cleaning products, if you can’t avoid plastic, choose the largest size possible or those that offer refill options.
• Say goodbye to plastic laundry bottles and pods by looking for eco-friendly laundry strips.
• Rethink your purchases – reduce or reuse instead of depending on recycling.

Reduce hundreds or even thousands of single-use plastic items by making simple switches at home, at work, in restaurants and at stores. These changes can reduce the pressure on recycling systems, reduce unnecessary waste and save precious resources.

Smart Irrigation Even More Important During Hot Summer Months

In July, we celebrate Smart Irrigation Month and recognize the importance of efficient water use. Here are five tips from the Irrigation Association for improving your irrigation efficiency.

• Slow the Flow – If water is applied too quickly, it can run off into the street or sidewalk. Smart irrigation regulates pressure, ensuring water has a chance to soak into the ground.
• Don’t think twice about smart upgrades – Take the guesswork out of irrigation by upgrading to a smart controller, which will automatically adjust the watering schedule based on conditions at your location. For maximum water savings, choose a WaterSense-labeled controller.
• Select and inspect sprinklers properly – Select sprinkler heads and nozzles that apply water uniformly to the target area and inspect them regularly to ensure they are not obstructed or watering the pavement.
• Work with a certified professional – Protect your investment by working with a certified irrigation professional, who is trained to ensure the job is done right.
• Use drip irrigation – This type of irrigation applies water directly to the base or roots of plants slowly and precisely, making it ideal for watering individual plants and smaller landscape areas.

Learn more about smart irrigation and how to program your irrigation timer.

8 Tips to Keep You Safe This Monsoon Season

It’s that time of the year. Monsoon storms may start quickly and lead to downed power lines and trees, power outages and flooded streets in a matter of minutes. Check out these tips so you can be ready and safe when the storms roll in.

1. Watch, listen, and be aware: Mesa also encourages residents to stay updated on current weather forecasts. When a storm is approaching, turn to broadcast media, radio or visit reliable online resources to receive the latest weather updates and instructions. Pay attention to flash flood warnings and get to higher ground when needed.

2. Have a plan: 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.

3. Check on your neighbors: You can help your older and homebound neighbors by making sure they have sandbags and other supplies available. Also, check to see if they have a backup source for power for medical equipment requiring it or a way to keep refrigerated prescriptions cool during a power outage.

4. Don’t forget Fido: Pet owners should also have a disaster kit for their four-legged friends. Keep a recent photo of your pet on hand and make sure your pet’s ID tags are up to date.

5. Pay attention to hazard signs and barricades: "Do Not Cross When Flooded," "Road Closed Due to Flooding" and "Roadblocks" are warnings to keep the public safe. Ignoring barriers or signs can threaten life and property. Do NOT attempt to drive through a flooded road. The depth of water is not always obvious, and the roadbed may be washed out under the water.

6. Report downed trees or other hazards in the public right-of-way: Download the Citylink App to make reports when you see a hazard or call 480-644-2160. We will dispatch the City of Mesa Transportation’s Road Hazard Response Crew to address the issue.

8. Stop at flashing lights: If you arrive at an intersection with the signal out, treat it as a four-way stop and proceed with caution. Transportation signal techs are aware and are responding to the issue behind the scenes.
9. Have sandbags ready: Sand and empty bags are available at the following locations (bring your own shovel):

• Fire Station 202, 830 S. Stapley Drive  
• Fire Station 205, 730 S. Greenfield Road
• Fire Station 209, 7035 E. Southern Ave.
• Fire Station 212, 2430 E. Ellsworth Road
• Transportation Building, 300 E. 6th St. (west side of building)
• East Mesa Service Center, 6935 E. Decatur St. (front parking lot)

For additional storm preparation information and a complete list of contact numbers, visit www.mesaaz.gov/storm.

We also use Twitter and Facebook to provide updates related to emergency situations.