Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 19th of February.
Good morning, Mesa.
🏘️ Community
Friends for Life Animal Rescue will host its annual Casino Night fundraiser on Saturday, Feb.
21 from 7-10 p.m. at 952 W. Melody Ave. in Gilbert; the event features casino games and a Mardi Gras theme to support rescue and adoption programs.
Estrella Chapter DAR invites Mesa residents to drop in at the SCW Foundation Quail-Coyote Room for coffee (with goodies) and a friendly meet and greet.
Attendees can learn about joining the world's largest women's service organization and check if they are eligible.
🎭 Culture
The Arizona Baseball Museum, the state’s first museum dedicated solely to baseball history, will open Feb.
21 at the historic Lehi Auditorium in the Mesa Historical Museum, offering visitors historic photos, memorabilia and guest programs on Arizona’s baseball roots.
The Format, a Phoenix band, released its first album in nearly 20 years earlier this year with (Boycott Heaven) as its title.
The album serves as a nostalgic reminder for millennial fans and blends classic sound with fresh energy.
📰 Economy
Arizona’s five C’s — cattle, citrus, copper, cotton and climate — once drove the state’s economy, even though today real estate, health care and manufacturing lead the way.
Local schools teach the legacy while residents honor a past that still shapes community identity.
🎓 Education
Amanda Gustafson of Mesa earned her master of business administration from UW-Eau Claire on Feb.
18, joining 628 Fall/Winter 2025 graduates from the Eau Claire and Barron County campuses. Her achievement highlights the school's broad range of programs from arts to sciences.
🏛️ Government
Mesa City Council approved an ordinance to update water rates for nonresidential users, leading to an average business increase of 20% starting April 1.
The decision was passed by a 6-1 vote and aims to create cost parity amid earlier discussions.
The Legislature is considering House Bill 2444 to allow pharmacists to test for flu, strep and COVID-19 and dispense treatment if positive (patients must be over 10).
It passed a Health and Human Services Committee vote on Monday by 7-5 and now heads to the full House.
🏥 Health
Fellowship Square Historic Mesa used Helpany’s AI-powered device Paul to lower fall-related 911 calls by 80%, injuries by 57% and falls by 63% during March–May 2025 at its location at 35 W.
Brown Road, easing family concerns and letting caregivers spend more time with at-risk residents.
🎉 Mesa Events
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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.
The Mikado by NY Gilbert & Sullivan Players
7:30 p.m. — Ikeda Theater — Check event page for costs — Delight in a critically acclaimed production featuring beloved G&S characters.
🏠 Mesa Real Estate
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💼 Mesa Job Board
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📣 Mesa Announcements
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