Good morning, Mesa.

A Mesa wildlife rescue recently freed a skunk with a swollen face after its head got stuck in a dumpster; experts spent nearly an hour using vegetable oil + towels to free the animal before care and release at the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center.

Mesa Police installed four new speed cameras near Highland Junior High (6915 E.

Guadalupe Road) and Eastmark High (9560 E. Ray Road) on Dec. 5. The council approved the project following community concerns, and a 30-day warning period will end Jan. 4.

The Kyrene School District board voted to close 4 elementary schools and 2 middle schools amid a drop in enrollment.

Student numbers fell from about 20,000 to 12,000 (a statewide trend) prompting the decision.

A 20-foot mural made up of self-portraits by every student and staff member now adorns the hallways at Superstition Springs Elementary.

Art teacher Betsy Baker led the project, which arranged over 900 paint chip pieces to form a colorful gradient that celebrates creativity and community.

Kyrene Elementary School District will vote on closing up to eight schools to offset rising costs and declining enrollment.

The board is considering recommendations from a community committee formed since January to keep students with their classmates.

Maricopa County's Air Quality Department declared no-burn days for Saturday, Sunday and Monday to help reduce smoke trapping in the winter inversion as residents are warned to avoid burning wood and using leaf blowers on these days (penalties apply).

Arizona Attorney General’s Office announced a settlement with Hyundai and Kia letting owners of nearly 200,000 vehicles (from 2011 onward) get a free ignition cylinder protector upgrade and file for up to $4,500 for stolen cars.

Future models will include the anti-theft upgrade, and claims are due by March 31.

Pottery Workshop at Rebel Wine Lounge

7-9 p.m. — Rebel Wine Lounge — Contact for pricing — Unwind and create your own pottery in a fun and relaxing atmosphere.

Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Ikeda Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magic of Cirque Musica with holiday hits and breathtaking performances for the whole family.

Mesa Memory Café

1-2:30 p.m. — Oakwood Creative Care Hub — Free entry — Enjoy coffee and cognitive activities in a supportive environment for those with memory impairment and their families.

HeatSync Labs: Coffee & Coworking

9 AM – 3 PM — HeatSync Labs — Free entry — Bring your projects and get excited at this collaborative hackerspace in Mesa.

Josh Bierman Live Performance

4-8 p.m. — Pedal Haus Biergarten — Check venue for details — Experience the soulful sounds of AZ native singer-songwriter Josh Bierman and his dynamic band.

Arizona Balloon Classic

4-9 p.m. — Wild Horse Pass Stadium — Entrance fees may apply — Experience stunning hot air balloon displays and delicious food at this family-friendly event.