With the arrival of triple digit temperatures, the City of Mesa's Human Services Department is collaborating with local community partners to activate a day respite center, cooling centers and hydration stations to provide heat relief.

"The City and our community partners know how critical it is to provide heat relief services to our most vulnerable residents," said Mayor Mark Freeman. "It's also a good reminder to check on neighbors, family and friends who may be homebound to make sure they are safe and staying cool." 

Animal Control is reminding residents to protect their pets as the thermometer rises in Arizona. The heat can affect pets in many ways, from causing dehydration to burning their skin and paws. And while pools can be refreshing on a hot day, they pose the risk of drowning for some dogs, especially certain breeds.

Mylar balloons and power lines don't mix!

With all the graduation parties and other celebrations occurring, it’s a great time to remind everyone of the danger of mixing mylar balloons and power lines.

Mylar balloons are metallic and when they touch a power line, it can cause a dangerous short circuit leading to a power outage, fire and serious injuries.

For your safety and the safety of others:

• Never release balloons outside
• Keep balloons away from power lines
• Don’t touch balloons entangled in wires
• Always tie balloons to a weight
• Puncture, deflate and dispose of balloons properly

If you see a balloon caught in a power line or a downed line, call 480-644-2262 or 9-1-1. Never attempt to retrieve anything entangled in power lines.

July 4
6 - 10 p.m.
Mesa Convention Center
263 N. Center St.

We are seeking volunteers for the 2026 Willmeng Arizona Celebration of Freedom, the coolest independence festival in the state! There are multiple times and shifts available including splash zone, carnival games, entertainment and info booths. 

The biggest and best free patriotic event in Arizona includes live music, Pro Wrestling, historic flags on display, a Fallen Soldiers Memorial, laser light show, military zone and endless family fun with so much more. The event culminates with a Salute to America and spectacular fireworks show.

Volunteers will receive a commemorative t-shirt, free meal, snacks, cold drinks and are entered into a raffle for awesome prizes. Volunteers must be 16 years of age or 14 if accompanied by a parent or guardian. Open to individuals, families, friends and corporations.

Have questions about draining or backwashing your pool? You’ve got two safe options: Use your sanitary sewer cleanout or drain the pool water into your yard for reuse in the landscape. Both options help prevent water from flooding the streets or neighboring properties and keep anything but rain out of the storm drain.

If you opt to drain into your yard, be mindful of salt-sensitive plants and move the hose frequently to allow it to soak in and not pool.

Visit the informational page to learn more about draining and backwashing your pool, locating your sewer cleanout, and to see a list of sensitive plants (found under the FAQs tab).

Keeping your natural gas meter in good condition is an essential part of home safety. Here are some simple tips to help keep your family safe:

Keep it clear: Make sure the area around your meter is clean and free of clutter so it’s easy to reach.

Don’t stack items: Never place anything on top of the meter — it must stay uncovered and unobstructed.

Protect it from vehicles: If your meter is near a driveway or parking spot, add protection to prevent bumps or collisions.

Plant smart: Avoid planting trees, bushes, or shrubs within three feet of your meter. Their roots can grow and damage it over time.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is conducting community outreach related to proposed airspace and flight path changes in the Phoenix area.

Residents can attend upcoming public workshops to learn more about the project, ask questions and provide feedback. An East Valley virtual workshop will be held May 20 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Additional information, including workshop registration and project materials, is available on the FAA Phoenix Airspace Community Engagement page.

As Arizona enters another active wildfire season, the importance of wildfire preparedness continues to grow. The recent Hazen Fire near Buckeye serves as a powerful reminder that fast-moving brush fires can threaten homes, impact air quality and strain emergency resources across the Valley. The fire rapidly spread through dense vegetation near the Gila River bottom, fueled by dry conditions and heavy vegetation growth.

While large wildfires may seem distant from urban communities, the reality is that wildfire risks exist throughout the region including Mesa’s desert interface areas. That is why the Mesa Fire and Medical Department continues to promote its Firewise USA® program to help residents better prepare their neighborhoods and homes before a wildfire occurs.

Just like people, plants need water to stay healthy and vibrant, but more isn’t always better. Too much moisture in the soil can crowd out oxygen, which the roots need to function properly. Frequent, shallow watering keeps roots near the surface, where they’re more exposed to heat, dry winds and evaporation. Over time, this can weaken plants and increase stress. Instead, think “deeply and infrequently.” This approach encourages roots to grow deeper, where soil stays cooler, and moisture lasts longer helping plants grow stronger and more resilient.

Effective February 11, 2026

Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes and e-scooters are allowed in Mesa parks where bicycles are permitted, with important safety rules in place to help keep everyone safe:

• A 5 mph speed limit is required in parks.
• Riders must be 16 or older (existing law).
• Helmets are required for riders under 18.
• Allowed on shared-use paths (canal paths) and sidewalks within parks (not street sidewalks).
• Not permitted on playgrounds, benches, tables or turf.
• Riders must yield to pedestrians and individuals using mobility devices.

As e-bikes and e-scooters continue to grow in popularity, safe and mindful riding is more important than ever. Together, we can keep Mesa parks welcoming, safe, and enjoyable for all.

Just a reminder that the Mesa College Promise program deadline for the 2026-2027 academic year is June 22!

The successful program launched in 2021 as a public and private partnership involving the City of Mesa, Mesa Community College (MCC) and the corporate sector covers two years of tuition and fees at MCC for eligible recent high school graduates who reside in Mesa and eligible adults who are 25 years or older.