Good morning, Mesa.

Mesa's 19th Annual Hydration Donation Campaign started today to help people stay safe during extreme heat by asking for 500,000 bottles of water and $40,000 in cash donations—Walmart donated 34,560 bottles and local businesses gave $19,500 at a kickoff event at United Food Bank, with donated water to be shared among local nonprofits.

Mesa will dedicate its Neon Garden behind The Post (at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 15) where five restored neon signs including Bill Johnson’s Big Apple, Watson’s Flowers, Dairy Queen, Smiley Ford and Frontier Motel will debut to honor 15 years of preservation efforts sparked by Alice Sliger. The project will also earn the Arizona Governor’s Historic Preservation Heritage Award (presented at the Arizona Annual Historic Preservation Conference in Phoenix).

Lehi Elementary School in Mesa received an honorable mention at the 2025 Read Live School of the Year awards for its effective use of the Read Live program to boost student literacy.

The school was recognized along with others across North America for improving reading skills in both English and Spanish.

At its May 12 meeting, the Mesa City Council approved a $301,500 contract with Recreonics Inc. to replace pool covers at city facilities — council member Francisco Heredia was absent from a unanimous six-to-zero vote.

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs signed a bill Tuesday that required adult websites to use age verification methods to ensure users are at least 18—this law allows parents to hold sites accountable if their children access sexual content.

Avelo Airlines began ICE deportation flights out of Mesa Gateway Airport Monday—using three Boeing 737-800 planes under an undisclosed contract—with protests emerging from over 30 local residents and safety warnings from the flight attendants union.

The airline did not share further details about its agreement with ICE.

Gov. Hobbs announced on May 13 that the state will include a $1 million legal defense fund in the budget to protect water rights as negotiations begin for a new Colorado River conservation agreement.

Arizona and other basin states are working on measures to secure water for millions + set clear guidelines before the current deal expires.

The Story of the Phoenix East Valley Partnership

7-8 p.m. — Mesa Arts Center — Free entry — Discover how the Phoenix East Valley Partnership has shaped the region for over 40 years.

Rolling Quartz Concert

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Nile Theater — Tickets available — Experience the energetic sounds of the Korean rock girl band ROLLING QUARTZ on their U.S. tour.

Big Patio Party: Live Music with KAILIN Kentigian Duo

2-5 p.m. — Pedal Haus Brewery — Free entry — Enjoy a spacious brewery atmosphere while listening to live music from the KAILIN Kentigian Duo.

Sunday Evening Recital Featuring Britney Freeman

6:30-7:00 p.m. — Mesa Arizona Temple Visitors' Center — Free entry — Enjoy a lovely evening of vocal performance by Britney Freeman.

AGG 2025 Conference

7 AM – 1 PM — Delta Hotels Phoenix Mesa — Early Bird rates available — Engage in a week of education, excellence, and community in sunny Mesa, Arizona.

Public Serpents: Live Music by TOB

7-8:30 p.m. — The Underground — Free entry — Enjoy a dynamic blend of punk, grunge, reggae, ska, rock, and hip-hop from Phoenix's own Thomas O'Brien.

Mesa Arts Chamber Concerts: Chamber Strings

5:30-9:30 p.m. — Mesa Arts Center — Cost info not provided — Enjoy an evening of curated chamber music performed by small ensembles.

Deafheaven Concert

6-11 p.m. — Nile Theater — $100/ea — Catch Deafheaven live in Mesa for an unforgettable night of music.

Big Patio Party with Live Music by Jacobe

2-5 p.m. — Pedal Haus Brewery — Free entry — Enjoy spacious outdoor vibes with live tunes and craft brews in Downtown Mesa.

Perfect Pooch Alumni Social Event

7:45-9:00 a.m. — Red Mountain Park — Free entry — Enjoy a group walk with fellow dog lovers to reinforce training skills in a beautiful outdoor setting.