Good morning, Mesa. Highs sit near 106 today and climb to 108 by Tuesday, with an afternoon thunderstorm chance building toward midweek, so run errands early and keep an eye on the sky.
- 🏛️ The July 20 council agenda. Speed limits drop on Mesa Drive, a secondary property tax vote, and a contract for the downtown holiday ice rink.
- 🥍 The Piestewa Games drew record crowds. 27 tribes competed across Mesa this year, and organizers say the tournament keeps growing.
- 🏠 538 new listings hit the Mesa market. New inventory came on last month across the city.
- 🎓 A state audit faults Arizona's school grades. The Auditor General found the A-F letter-grade system, including in Mesa, is flawed.
- 📚 Summer reading continues at Mesa libraries. Take-home kits, a dinosaur art lab, and a hot-weather cycling class this week.
- 🥁 Around the Valley. Drum corps at Riggs Stadium in Mesa tonight, plus Young the Giant and Evanescence in Phoenix.
The July 20 council agenda
Mesa's city council meets Monday, July 20, and the most tangible item for drivers is a speed-limit change on Mesa Drive, the original downtown spine.
Key facts:
- Slower on Mesa Drive. The limit drops from 40 to 35 mph between Bates Street and Lehi Road, and from 35 to 30 mph north of Bates to the city limits. The Transportation Advisory Board recommended it (District 1).
- Property tax levy. Council votes to set the city's secondary property tax rate for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027 (citywide).
- A downtown ice rink. A contract for the seasonal outdoor rink at the Plaza at Mesa City Center, the one that anchors the Merry Main Street holiday run each winter.
The Mesa Drive change covers the stretch running north through Lehi, the 1877 settlement that predates the city itself. It is a residential corridor, and the lower limits follow the advisory board's review.
What to watch: the full agenda is posted on Mesa Legistar, and the meeting is open to the public.
The week
- 🦖 MABEL at Main. Mesa Arts Center's mobile art lab, dinosaur theme, in the Main Library children's area. Tuesday, July 14. Details.
- 🚲 Hot-weather night riding class. The MesaMoves program covers summer cycling safety at Main Library. Wednesday, July 15, 6 PM. Details.
- ✍️ Writer in Residence consultations. Mesa poet Oscar Mancinas takes one-on-one sessions at Main Library through July 18. Details.
- 🧸 Toddlertime. Storytime for the little ones at Main Library. Thursday, July 16, 10 AM. Details.
- 🧠 Trivia night at On The Green. Free to play, prizes on offer, at the Mesa sports grill. Wednesday evenings. Details.
Mesa libraries are still running take-home summer reading kits at the Express and Dobson Ranch branches, with a new themed craft each week.
Around Mesa
The Piestewa Games drew record crowds. The multi-day Native American sports tournament, named for Arizona soldier Lori Piestewa, brought 27 tribes to Mesa this year across softball, basketball, and more. Organizers told 12News the basketball field hit a record number of teams, and the event has grown every year. Details.
Fall recreation sign-ups are open. Mesa Parks and Recreation opened registration for fall programs, from youth sports to adult classes. Spots fill by season, so early is better. Details.
🏠 538 new listings came on the Mesa market last month.
From the schools
A state audit faults Arizona's A-F school grades. The Auditor General's office found the state's letter-grade system for schools, including Mesa's, is flawed, and Arizona is moving to reform how the grades are calculated. Details.
Dobson volleyball camp. Dobson High runs a summer volleyball camp starting Monday afternoon. Details.
Around the Valley
A few picks worth leaving the neighborhood for this week.
DCI: Drum Corps International. The touring drum corps circuit stops at John D. Riggs Stadium in Mesa tonight. The closest big-ticket night on this list, and the only one you can bike to. Tickets.
Rooftop Renegade Pool Party: Alienpark. Skysill Rooftop Lounge, Tempe. Saturday, July 18, 1 PM. A rooftop pool day if the heat is the plan, not the problem. Tickets.
Young the Giant, Cold War Kids and KennyHoopla. Arizona Financial Theatre, Phoenix. Tuesday, July 14, 6:30 PM. A strong indie triple bill for one night. Tickets.
Evanescence, Spiritbox and Nova Twins. Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre, Phoenix. Wednesday, July 15, 6:30 PM. Tickets.