July 2024

Greetings, District 3 Neighbors!

I hope you're having a wonderful and safe summer. As the Mesa City Council session approaches its summer break, our final study session and council meeting will take place on Monday, July 8th at 5:15pm. Tune in to my Facebook page for a live stream of the event. Although Council will be on break, please know that my door is always open. I'm here to answer your questions, listen to your concerns, and provide any assistance you may need.

In this newsletter, I'm excited to bring you important news and updates, including an update to our Trap Neuter Return (TNR) Program. My office has also partnered with Community Bridges to collect school supplies for our Mesa families, and lastly, don't miss any details on our upcoming Arizona Celebration of Freedom. Scroll down to learn more! 

As always, if you require any assistance or have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact my office at District3@mesaaz.gov or reach out by phone at 480-644-3003.

Best wishes,

Vice Mayor Francisco Heredia

Update on Mesa's Trap Neuter Return Program

City of Mesa Needs Your Help!

We're excited to announce that we're building a program to help maintain healthy community cat colonies in Mesa. Your input and participation are crucial to the success of this initiative.

Would you like to be a part of the Program? Please take a few moments to complete our survey and share your thoughts. Together, we can create a better environment for our community and its feline residents.

School Supply Drive

Join Us in Supporting Mesa Students

I'm excited to share that I have partnered with CBI Community Bridges and Lokahi Teams for a school supply drive benefiting Mesa Public School and our Mesa families. This initiative aims to ensure that every student in our community starts the school year equipped with the necessary supplies for success.

Donations are being collected through July 20th. We invite you to contribute and make a positive impact on the education and well-being of our students. For ways to donate, please contact my office at 480-644-3003 or email us at District3@mesaaz.gov. Together, we can make a difference!

Federal Grant to Advance Rio East-Dobson Streetcar Extension

Rep. Stanton Announces $15.9 Million Federal Grant to Advance Rio East-Dobson Streetcar Extension

Rep. Greg Stanton announced Valley Metro would receive a $15,939,835 federal Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant, funded under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, to advance the Rio East-Dobson Streetcar Extension (REDE).

The REDE project will expand the existing 3-mile Valley Metro Streetcar by an additional 4.35 miles, and extend it from Tempe into Mesa. RAISE grant funds will be used to complete design and environmental work for the project.

Maricopa County Allocates $350,000 for Enhancements at Mesa Community Centers

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Maricopa County to Fund Improvements at Popular Community Centers in City of Mesa

Visitors at the City of Mesa's Firefighter Memorial, i.d.e.a. Museum and Mesa Historical Society will soon enjoy an even more memorable experience thanks to the renovation funding approved by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors on June 26.

The Board is contributing $100,000 towards the cost of renovations for the Firefighter Memorial, $200,000 towards various interactive exhibit updates at the Mesa i.d.e.a. Museum and$50,000 towards replacing six A/C units for the Mesa Historical Society's auditorium renovation.

The improvements are being funded using $350,000 of Maricopa County Community Solutions Funding allocated by Vice Chairman Galvin through December 31, 2024. The Board's Community Solutions Funding is designed to help advance Maricopa County's strategic goals and provide clear public benefits for Maricopa County residents.

Monsoon Season

Mesa Asks You to be Monsoon Ready

Summer brings the season of storms, with sudden monsoons that can cause downed power lines, fallen trees, power outages, and flooded streets in minutes. The elderly and homebound are particularly vulnerable during these times. Mesa urges residents to check on their neighbors to ensure their safety.

Residents are encouraged to have an evacuation plan for severe instances and a disaster kit ready. This kit should include water, non-perishable foods, flashlights, batteries, medications, and first aid supplies. Pet owners should also prepare a disaster kit for their pets. Staying updated on weather forecasts is also crucial.

For more storm preparation information and a complete list of contact numbers, visit the link below.

Heat Relief Resources

Heat Relief Locations

If you need help getting to a local hydration station or cooling center, please call 2-1-1 for more heat relief services including free transportation to a heat relief center. Heat relief centers are available until September 30, 2024

• Day Respite Center Resurrection Street Ministries: 1109 E. Main St. #105 Mesa, AZ 85203. Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Including holidays.

  Services include air-conditioned space, water, rest area, meals, navigation services, medical care, showers and more. Allows leashed well-behaved pets.

Cooling Centers

Locations provide water and access to air-conditioned space:

• MesaCAN 635 E. Broadway During excessive heat warnings Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• The Salvation Army Mesa Citadel Corps 241 E. 6th St. Monday - Sunday
  11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Heat advisory days extended to 7 p.m. Allows leashed well-behaved animals
• St. Vincent de Paul 49 W. Broadway. Monday - Sunday 12 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Resources

• Summer Electric Assistance Program (SEA) 
• SRP Financial Assistance.
• Emergency Rehabilitation Program

Arizona Celebration of Freedom

Arizona Celebration of Freedom Offers Many Ways to Honor America

The 15th Annual Arizona Celebration of Freedom Presented by AT&T (ACOF) is guaranteed to be one night of spectacular FREE fun and entertainment. The state's coolest festival to celebrate America's freedom and independence is Thursday, July 4 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Mesa Convention Center and Mesa Amphitheatre campus, 263 N. Center St., and along Center Street between First Street and University Drive.

The temperatures may be hot, but you can stay cool at the event with Cool Zones that include giant fans and misters. There will be many activities, displays and events inside Mesa Convention Center.

New Way of Reporting Fireworks

Mesa Police Department Creates New Way of Reporting Fireworks

The Mesa Police Department has formed a new way for residents to report illegal
fireworks, and they can do so anonymously.

Beginning July 1, 2024 through July 6, 2024, whenever someone sees illegal firework activity, they can report it through the City of Mesa website (mesaaz.gov) under the "Residents" tab, "Police," and then "Report Fireworks." Here, they can submit a request or create an anonymous request before they submit the complaint. This will create an email that is sent to a specific mailbox that is monitored at all hours of the day and night.

The fireworks mailbox is monitored by Special Operations lieutenants, sergeants, and the Real Time Crime Center to ensure no complaints are missed. Once a complaint is verified by either patrol officers in the community or by the Real Time Crime Center over video monitoring, officers will be dispatched to the area to investigate.

Energy Resources Safety Message

Natural Gas Meter Safety Tips

Ensure the safety of your family by following these simple guidelines when it comes to your natural gas meter:

• Keep the area in front of and around your meter clear at all times. This will allow our employees to access the meter whenever necessary.
• Avoid stacking anything on your gas meter.
• Protect your meter against vehicular damage.

Avoid planting trees, shrubs, or bushes within three feet of your meter. As plants grow, their roots can damage piping or the gas meter. Learn more

OUT IN THE DISTRICT

WHAT'S HAPPENING

July 4 - Arizona Celebration of Freedom Presented by AT&T

Join this Fourth of July from 6 - 10 p.m. in downtown Mesa for Arizona’s biggest and best FREE Independence Day event! Get ready for food, fun, fantastic patriotic displays/activities, and fireworks! More info at www.azcelebrationoffreedom.com

July 7 - Book Launch - Beaker & Gonk!

Author Debi Novotny will launch her new book at AZMNH! You can get your copy of BEAKER & GONK signed by the author. Copies will be available in the museum store. This event will be great fun, with crafts, prizes and a reading code for summer readers. Free with admission!

July 9 - FAFSA Assistance and Mesa College Promise Application Assistance

Get free, individualized assistance on completing your FAFSA. Interested in getting fully funded for two years at MCC? At this workshop you can also complete your FAFSA and the Mesa College Promise application! Sign-up to attend

July 30 - Primary Election

The Mesa City Council adopted Resolution 12161 calling a Primary Election for Tuesday, July 30, 2024, for the purpose of electing a Mayoral candidate and Councilmember candidates in Districts 1, 2, and 3. The resolution also outlines the deadline for voter registration and establishes the times that polls will be open. Visit the Primary Election Information page for additional details. 

UPCOMING COUNCIL MEETINGS

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.

July Council Meetings
Monday, July 1 - 5:45 p.m.
Monday, July 8 - 5:45 p.m. 

July Study Sessions
Monday, July 1 - 5:15 p.m.
Monday, July 8 - 5:15 p.m.

*- Meetings subject to start time changes

STAY INFORMED

Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram! For Council meeting info click here. Visit Mesa Channel 11 for more updates.

Phone: 480-644-3003 Email: District3@mesaaz.gov