| |
Community Newsletter
October 2025
Happy October Neighbors!
October is always a busy and exciting month in Mesa! From community gatherings to important updates, I’m grateful for the opportunity to stay connected and share information that matters to our residents.
Many residents have questions about Mesa’s 287(g) agreement, so I want to provide some clarity about what it means for our community. This program is focused solely on public safety—Mesa Police do not conduct immigration raids or target law-abiding residents, and screenings only occur after someone is arrested, charged with a crime, and booked into our facility. In keeping with our commitment to transparency, the Police Department has updated its Transparency in Policing page with details about our balanced approach, which prioritizes protecting victims—regardless of immigration status—and ensuring the safety of the entire Mesa community through compassionate, effective policing.
Mark your calendars! G.A.I.N. (Getting Arizona Involved in Neighborhoods) Day 2025 takes place on Saturday, November 1, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. Registration has been extended to Monday, October 13, so there’s still time to sign up your neighborhood event. I can’t wait to celebrate with you!
If you ever have any questions, want to share about issues that are important to you, or if I can be of assistance, please reach out to me at district4@mesaaz.gov or 480-644-3004. My door is always open.
-Councilmember Jenn Duff
|
|
|
City of Mesa Launches MesaMoves Look Twice Challenge
The City of Mesa’s Transportation Department is launching the MesaMoves Look Twice Save a Life Challenge, a community-driven initiative promoting safer driving, biking and walking behaviors. Between 2017 and 2022, 1,359 people were seriously injured or killed on Mesa roadways — an average of four people each week. The challenge encourages residents to stay alert and look out for one another on the road.
The Look Twice Challenge is inspired by Alexander Cole Fernandez, a Mesa resident who tragically lost his life in a motorcycle crash in June 2024 at just 20 years old. His father, George Fernandez, with the Alexander Cole Fernandez Foundation, reached out to the City of Mesa to collaborate on raising community awareness.
The Look Twice Challenge emphasizes the importance of being aware on the road and looking twice before making any movements on the roadway. To encourage our community to adopt safer roadway habits, the Look Twice Challenge offers Mesa residents the opportunity to win prizes, including bicycles, museum memberships, gift cards and safety gear.
Participants can sign up and earn points by:
- Taking an online safety pledge.
- Joining a social media challenge using #looktwicemesa or #mesamoves.
- Participating in a holiday-themed scavenger hunt in December.
- Signing up for the road safety newsletter.
The Look Twice Challenge will run from October 9 through December 6. Winners will be announced following the Reindeer Roll and Stroll event in December.
|
|
|
Volunteer opportunity @ Guerrero Park!
Come out and get your hands dirty at a fall tree planting event! Mesa is partnering with Arizona Sustainability Alliance (AZSA), Amazon.com and Arbor Day Foundation to plant 55 desert-adapted shade trees at Guerrero Park.
Volunteer to plant, then stick around for a free lunch and learn about Mesa's contributions to building an urban forest, and AZSA's tree initiatives! Registration required.
This project supports Mesa's #TreesAreCool Initiative to increase Mesa's tree canopy to 15 percent.
Friday, October 17, 2025
7:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Guerrero Park, 205 W 8th Ave, Mesa, AZ 85210
|
|
|
Join me and Stronger Mesa for Park(ing) Day in Downtown Mesa!
We’ll have games, music, and fun as we transform four parking spaces into a place for people to gather and connect.
Park(ing) Day is a global event where communities around the world reimagine public spaces—turning spots once reserved for cars into vibrant places for people.
Friday, October 17, 2025
4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Northwest corner of Robson & Main in Downtown Mesa
|
|
|
I will be hosting a public meeting to discuss the proposed Downtown Micromobility and Parking Plan. Representatives from the Department of Urban and Transformation will provide an update and be available to answer any questions.
For more information on the plan, you can watch the Study Session on Mesa Channel 11 on Thursday, October 23, at 7:30 a.m.
Monday, October 27, 2025
6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
The Post - 26 N. Macdonald, Mesa, AZ 85201
|
|
|
Fall Safety Reminder - Carbon Monoxide Awareness
As the cooler weather sets in, make sure your natural gas appliances are working safely to protect you and your loved ones from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. CO is a colorless, odorless and toxic gas produced when fuel-burning appliances aren’t operating or vented properly.
If you have natural gas appliances in your home, ensure they are working efficiently and safely. Your natural gas flame should be blue with a hint of yellow near the tip. A yellow flame may mean trouble. Always follow manufacturers’ instructions for installing, maintaining, and using gas appliances. Consider installing CO detectors for added protection.
CO poisoning symptoms can resemble the flu, but without fever. Watch for:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Blurred vision
If you suspect the presence of CO:
- Get fresh air immediately.
- Seek medical attention if symptoms are present.
- Call 911 and our emergency line at 480-644-4277.
|
|
✨Yesterday, we celebrated the grand opening of Diamond Don’s—a vibrant new venue located at 42 S Macdonald that blends fine dining, live music, and the creative legacy of Saltmine Studio Oasis. I also had the pleasure of touring Saltmine Studio, which made seeing this vision come to life even more inspiring. More than just a restaurant or music space, Diamond Don’s is a bold step forward for Mesa’s arts and entertainment scene.
Congratulations to the entire team for bringing this vision to life and helping usher in a new era for Downtown Mesa nightlife!
|
|
We’re thrilled to welcome Casa Copal to the neighborhood.
This unique new spot at 28 S Macdonald isn’t just a store—it’s a cultural hub. From handmade artisan goods to yoga classes and workshops, Casa Copal is creating a space where community, wellness, and creativity come together.
🎉Grand Opening: October 25, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Come celebrate, explore, and support local artisans while enjoying all the experiences this unique destination has to offer!
|
|
I had the pleasure of stopping by Empower Coffee Roasters—a newly opened, LGBTQ-owned business right here in Mesa!
Empower Coffee Roasters is more than just a coffee shop; it’s a bold and inclusive space where everyone is welcome to connect, create, and caffeinate. From their house-made drinks to their commitment to empowering women in coffee farming, they’re brewing change one cup at a time.
|
In honor of the annual Love Your City – National Day of Service, I had the pleasure of joining a gathering at Aster Aging. It was truly a gift to hear directly from our veterans and be reminded of the impact service has on both individuals and our community.
|
I always enjoy connecting with our community at National Coffee with a Cop!
Thank you to everyone who joined us that morning to share coffee and conversations with our Mesa Police Department. These gatherings help build stronger connections between our community and those who serve and protect.
I’m grateful for the dedication of our officers and for each of you who took the time to make this event so meaningful.
|
September was Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Thank you to Mayor Mark Freeman for issuing a proclamation recognizing the importance of raising awareness, supporting those impacted, and advancing research in the fight against ovarian cancer.
Together, we honor the strength of survivors, remember those we’ve lost, and stand with families and advocates working tirelessly to spread awareness and hope. Early detection saves lives—please take a moment to learn the signs and share this message with others.
|
|
|
|
October 11 - Celebrate Mesa at Red Mountain Multiuse Fields
5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Celebrate Mesa and all it has to offer at this FREE family festival! Join the Arizona Museum of Natural History for the exciting unveiling of their new Mobile Exploration and Discover (MEAD) Machine!
|
|
|
October 21 - Resident's Guide to HOAs Webinar: Assessments and Large Improvements
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
We will explore whether associations should increase assessments annually and determine the appropriate amount. Additionally, we will discuss implementing special assessments and managing large capital improvement projects, emphasizing the importance of communication and financing.
|
|
|
October 25 - Pumpkin Splash
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Pumpkin Splash is back — and it’s spook-tacular! Take a dip in our floating pumpkin patch and pick out your perfect pumpkin... right from the pool! $7 admission. Purchase your tickets today!
|
|
|
October 25 - Haunting on Main Street
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Inviting all boos and ghouls to float down to Main Street for some Halloween trick-or-treating! This is a FREE event for the whole family to enjoy!
|
|
|
October 25-26 - Dia de los Muertos Festival @ Mesa Arts Center
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Mesa Arts Center is pleased to celebrate Día de los Muertos with an annual event created in collaboration with the community. The annual free event offers a variety of features, performances and more in celebration of the memories of the deceased.
|
|
|
There’s always something exciting happening in Downtown Mesa! Check out the Downtown Mesa Association's calendar of events to stay up to date on upcoming activities, festivals, and more.
|
|
October Council Meetings
Monday, October 6 - 5:45 p.m.
Monday, October 20 - 5:45 p.m.
October Study Sessions
Thursday, October 2 - 7:30 a.m.
Monday, October 6 - 4:15 p.m.
Thursday, October 9 - 7:30 a.m.
Monday, October 20 - 5:15 p.m.
Thursday, October 23 - 7:30 a.m.
Thursday, October 30 - 7:30 a.m.
*Meetings subject to start time changes
The Mesa City Council holds two Council meetings a month, in addition to weekly study sessions. Learn more about the process for public participation in meetings.
Mesa broadcasts its council and study session meetings live on Mesa Channel 11's YouTube page and Facebook.
Council agendas.
|
|
|
|
|
