Good morning, Mesa.

A Mesa homeowner is paying to remove a neighbor’s pine tree that stands 50 to 60 foot tall because its loose branches may hit her house during windstorms—experts and city officials confirmed the tree is alive but risky, and the removal is set to be finished by the end of the week.

Local firefighters and first responders climbed 2,200 steps (equal to the 110 floors of the Twin Towers) at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe on Thursday morning as a tribute to 9/11 heroes (organized by the Rise and Dream Foundation and United Black Firefighters).

Mesa resident Dawn Stebbing founded Dawn Stebbing LLC over 15 years ago to help women express themselves with confidence—today she serves as a voice and visibility strategist, certified image consultant, speaker and coach working with women entrepreneurs and professionals to align their personal brand style and messaging.

Dream City Church mourned the murder of Charlie Kirk—conservative activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA who organized high-profile political events—and urged community members to join in prayer as they honored his legacy.

Gas prices in Arizona rose to an average of $3.56—7 cents more than last week.

AAA’s Julian Paredes blamed a supply squeeze from refinery maintenance for the increase and noted that Maricopa County was the highest at $3.84 while Greenlee County was the lowest at $2.95.

Experts question if dyslexia is given enough support in Arizona’s Literacy Plan 2030, which aims for 72% of third graders to read proficiently while less than 40% met state standards in 2024 — they say vague strategies and inconsistent interventions could leave dyslexic students behind.

Mesa is planning to redevelop the historic Sirrine House—chosen in 2023 to become an urban farm, dining and education venue—by contracting Steadfast Farm to manage the site and help ease the downtown food desert.

Project construction will begin this winter and finish in fall as the project offers on-site farm stands, classes and a new barbecue concept by Chef Derek Christensen.

The EPA approved the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to manage injection wells under the Safe Drinking Water Act.

The agency said it would speed up permit approvals and inspections to protect groundwater.

The Mesa City Council voted 7-0 on Sept.

8 to raise the limit for a custodial services contract with Building Maintenance Services LLC dba Pivot Building Services from $848,000 to $965,100 annually — the move increased the contract's dollar value by $117,100.

Gov. Hobbs issued an executive order on September 11 to allow pharmacists to give COVID-19 vaccines following guidelines from key health groups—she also tasked the health department and Board of Pharmacy with broadening access and encouraging insurance coverage.

Filipino Night Market: Food and Culture Festival

4-9 p.m. — AZ International Marketplace — Free entry — Celebrate Filipino culture with delicious food from local vendors in a vibrant night market atmosphere.

Sunday Evening Recital: Amy & Alina Dampt

6:30-7:00 p.m. — Mesa Arizona Temple Visitors' Center — Free entry — Enjoy an inspired performance of beautiful sacred music by flutist and harpist duo Amy and Alina Dampt.

All-Star Sports for Toddlers

11:00 AM - 11:30 AM — Eagles Community Center — $14 Mesa resident / $16 Non-resident — A fun, non-competitive introduction to sports for toddlers aged 2-6.

Mesa Arizona Business Networking

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

Country & Latin Dance Party

4-7 p.m. — Creative Dance Collective — $20 CLASS + PARTY | $10 PARTY ONLY — Dance the afternoon away with social favorites like Salsa, Two-step, and more.

Book Signing with Emily Chavez

6:30-8 p.m. — Half Price Books — Ticket includes book purchase — Meet Crochet or Cry creator Emily Chavez and get your copy of Spooky Tapestry Crochet signed.

Mesa Networking Event

11:30 a.m. — The HUB Grill and Bar — $25 drop-in donation after two visits — A vibrant community gathering for entrepreneurs and influencers to forge impactful connections.

Prayers Concert

5-8 p.m. — The Rosetta Room — Tickets available via Ticketmaster — Experience an evening of energetic music with Prayers.

Fall Fest Presented By PS I Love AZ

10 AM – 4 PM — Arizona Athletic Grounds — Entrance fee with parking options — Kick off the fall season with over 150 local vendors and live entertainment.

Sunday Evening Recital with Jessica Taylor and Daughters

6:30-7:00 p.m. — Mesa Arizona Temple Visitors' Center — Free entry — Enjoy uplifting gospel music performed by the talented Taylor family.