Good morning, Mesa.

Mesa officials renewed a call for bottled water donations to collect 500,000 bottles by Sept.

30 for local respite and cooling centers — including Paz de Cristo and The Salvation Army Mesa Citadel Corps that reported high distribution needs. Applications for the East Valley Veterans Day Parade set for Nov. 11 will be accepted and Mesa Community College launched a data center operations scholarship fund with a combined $48,350 donation to help up to 50 students enroll in new courses.

Taroko Sports opened its 18,000-square-foot venue in Mesa yesterday at Mesa Riverview, featuring high-tech batting cages, bowling, racing simulators, and interactive video games.

The center uses a tap-to-play card system—credits cost 50 cents each for a 15-pitch round at $2.50—and it offers 50% off games through Sunday, July 27.

At its July 22 meeting, the Mesa Public Schools Governing Board voted 7-0 to amend its intergovernmental agreement with the Arizona Department of Economic Security for the Transition from School to Work Program—designed to help students with disabilities enter the workforce after school.

Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego reintroduced the Canadian Snowbirds Act on July 25, which would extend Canadian visitors' stays from 182 days to 240 days.

The bill prohibits Canadians from accessing public assistance or working and requires them to own or lease property in Arizona — a move aimed to boost tourism and real estate.

Mesa resident Dorean Taylor emerged as the only candidate challenging council member Julie Spilsbury in the special recall election.

Taylor must collect enough signatures by September 5 to appear on the November 4 ballot — the recall effort began after criticism of Spilsbury’s votes on converting a hotel into housing and on raising council salaries and utility rates.

Maricopa County Judge Melissa Julian ruled that the cast vote record from the 2024 election is exempt from disclosure under Arizona law—she stated that its release could risk ballot security.

The decision followed a lawsuit filed by Lawrence Hudson, who had asked for public access to the vote details.

World Drowning Prevention Day was observed on July 25 to remind Arizona families to stay safe by having an adult watch children, installing pool barriers & taking swim classes, a measure that could help prevent the over 3 million drowning deaths worldwide in the past decade.

Mesa-based Aqua-Tots Swim School also supports these efforts with year-round programs.

The Arizona Cardinals opened training camp in Glendale yesterday—after finishing last season with eight wins and nine losses, which was an improvement over the year before—and head coach Jonathan Gannon said the team is confident they can make a leap this year.

They will play their first preseason game next Saturday and begin the regular season on Sept. 7 in New Orleans.

Botzee Robotics & Aerospace Engineering Flight Camp

Half-day or full-week options — UPTOWN JUNGLE FUN PARK — Pricing details available — Explore drone technology and rocket science through hands-on activities and Minecraft challenges.

Joanna Ruth Meyer: While the Dark Remains

7-9 p.m. — Changing Hands Bookstore — Free entry — Explore the depths of magic and revenge in debut adult fantasy 'While the Dark Remains' with author Joanna Ruth Meyer.

Mesa Business Networking Event

10:30-11:30 a.m. — The HUB Grill and Bar — $25 drop-in fee — Connect with local entrepreneurs and influencers to accelerate your business growth.

Incite Live in Concert

6-7:30 p.m. — The Rosetta Room — Tickets starting at $88 — Incite promises an unforgettable evening of live music in the heart of Mesa.

Mesa Arizona Business Networking

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — The HUB Grill and Bar — $25 drop-in fee after two visits — Build connections and elevate your business in a vibrant community of entrepreneurs.

ATEEZ NITE

7-11 p.m. — The Rosetta Room — $12 for ATINY tickets — Celebrate ATEEZ with local fans and ATEEZ-themed fun before the concert.

Tango Foundations Course

6:30-8 p.m. — Scottsdale Neighborhood Arts Place — $255-500 depending on registration — Immerse yourself in the art of Argentine Tango with this 8-week beginner course.

Mesa Arizona Business Networking

11:30 a.m. — The HUB Grill and Bar — Free entry — Connect with local entrepreneurs, business owners, and influencers in a vibrant setting.

Shapel Lacey Stand-Up Comedy

6-7:30 p.m. — Mic Drop Comedy — Ages 18+ — Enjoy a night of laughs with the unique and original comedic voice of Shapel Lacey.

Pizzas, Pipes, and Pinoys!

3:30-5:30 p.m. — Organ Stop Pizza — No cover charge — Escape the heat while enjoying delectable pizzas and the spectacular sounds of the world's largest Wurlitzer Theater Pipe Organ.