Good morning, Mesa.

The Mesa Public Schools board considered a policy that would require employees to notify parents when a student requests a different pronoun than the one matching their biological sex.

Over 80 community members spoke at the meeting as one parent and a local business owner warned that the change might affect student engagement and safety—board members then sought legal advice before further action.

Eligible Mesa Electric customers can save up to $70 on electric bills this summer by using the City’s Summer Electric Assistance program — which removes service and usage charges for the first 80 kilowatt hours — if they apply on a first-come, first-served basis by May 29.

Mesa announced Thursday that Police Chief Kenneth Cost—a 30-year veteran—will retire effective June 30, leaving the city to search for a new leader while Phoenix has restarted its process to find its own chief.

Scott Butler, the incoming city manager, will appoint a replacement following planned leadership changes.

A locally produced documentary titled Dying to Save You examines the rising cancer rates among firefighters and urges early screenings to catch the disease sooner — it features fire captains including Bill Rini, who retired after a long battle with cancer, and Capt. Anthony Mock, whose death at 39 underscores the deadly risks faced by rescue workers. The film aims to connect viewers with the human cost of occupational cancer and highlights the importance of regular health checks.

Sunday Funday Big Patio Party

2-5 p.m. — Pedal Haus Biergarten — Free entry — Enjoy live music from Rhythm City Express in a spacious brewery setting.

Cactus Man Triathlon

6:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. — Tempe Beach Park — Registration fees applicable — Experience a day of athletic challenge and community spirit at this vibrant triathlon event.

Sturgill Simpson Concert

12-3 p.m. — Mesa Amphitheatre — Tickets starting at $160 — Catch Sturgill Simpson live in Mesa for an unforgettable musical experience.

One-Day Fascia Release Workshop

9 a.m.-4 p.m. — Eagles Community Center — No certification required — Explore hands-on techniques for fascia healing with expert Maria Alfieris.

Knights of the Abyss Live Show

6-10 p.m. — Nile Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience the heavy sounds of Knights of the Abyss, a local deathcore band from Glendale.

CCN's Run to Fight Children's Cancer

6-7:30 a.m. — Riverview Park — Registration fee applies — Celebrate survivorship and honor those affected by childhood cancer at this community run.

Sunday Evening Recital by Miramar Ward Young Women

6:30-7:00 p.m. — Mesa Arizona Temple Visitors' Center — Free admission — Enjoy a variety of gospel-centered music performances by talented young women including piano, strings, vocals, and harp.

Parkinson’s Support Group (Mesa)

1:30-3:30 p.m. — Red Mountain Recreation Center — Free entry — Connect and share experiences in a supportive environment for Parkinson's patients and their care partners.

Mesa Networking Event

10:30-11:30 a.m. — The Summit at Sunland Springs Assisted Living — $25 drop-in fee — Connect with local entrepreneurs and business owners in a heart-centered community.

Enemies & Lovers: A Fantasy Book Event

12 PM – 11 PM — Mesa Convention Center — Ticketed event — Celebrate the enchanting world of fantasy tropes and meet authors at this immersive themed weekend.