Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 18th of February.
Good morning, Mesa.
💼 Business
A virtual reality entertainment venue is set to open its first Arizona location this spring in Mesa.
Sandbox VR offers immersive experiences modeled after TV shows 'Stranger Things' and 'Squid Games' for groups of two to six people.
Blue Sky Pest Control plans to move its headquarters from Gilbert to a 2.4-acre site at the northwest corner of South Sossaman Road and East Ray Road in Mesa.
The planned 26,000 sqft office and warehouse building features dual access plus landscaped parking areas.
🎓 Education
After a 4&1 vote, Mesa Public Schools approved a reduction-in-force plan that will eliminate or relocate staff for fall 2026 while preserving a 25:1 student-staff ratio.
Principals will meet with teachers, who will be guaranteed interviews, and the district will support certification programs for key departments.
🏛️ Government
Sen. Gallego warned that Gen Z may become the poorest generation since the Great Depression as rising home prices and limited supply have kept first-time buyers out.
He noted working with Sen. Todd Young to allow IRA borrowing could help boost affordable housing (a potential solution his remarks focused on).
🎉 Mesa Events
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David Ramirez Concert
7-10 p.m. — The Rosetta Room — Tickets available — Enjoy an evening of soulful melodies with David Ramirez.
Vitamin String Quartet Live Concert
7-10 p.m. — Ikeda Theater — Starts at $52.50 — Experience spellbinding string renditions of hits from Taylor Swift to Daft Punk by the popular Vitamin String Quartet.
Big Patio Party with Casey Ryan
4-7 p.m. — Pedal Haus Brewery — Free entry — Enjoy live music from acclaimed singer-songwriter Casey Ryan while savoring craft brews in a spacious patio setting.
Salt River Brass: Brass Cats Performance
3-6 p.m. — Ikeda Theater — Cost info not specified — Experience an unforgettable collaboration between the Salt River Brass and ASU Jazz Ensemble.
Count Basie Orchestra with Nnenna Freelon
7:30-9:30 p.m. — Piper Repertory Theater — Starts at $53 — Celebrate America 250 with the iconic Count Basie Orchestra and special guest Nnenna Freelon.
Mesa Arizona Business Networking
11:30 a.m. — The HUB Grill and Bar — $25 for drop-in guests — Network with local entrepreneurs and business owners in a structured, relationship-driven setting.
The Music & Stories of the Islands
7-8 p.m. — Mesa Arizona Temple Visitors' Center — Free entry — Experience an evening of vibrant music with the Arizona Samoan Choir showcasing the island's cultural heritage.
Mariachi Herencia de Mexico Concert
7:30-11:00 p.m. — Ikeda Theater — Cost Info not provided — A new generation of mariachi brings vibrant rhythms to the stage.
Big Patio Party Featuring People Who Could Fly
4-7 p.m. — Pedal Haus Brewery — Free entry — Enjoy live indie pop tunes in a spacious brewery setting with a local favorite band.
World Ballet Company - Swan Lake
6-9 p.m. — Ikeda Theater — $61.50 - $146.50 — Experience the enchanting Swan Lake with a live orchestra and stunning performances by professional dancers.
🏠 Mesa Real Estate
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💼 Mesa Job Board
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📣 Mesa Announcements
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