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Rise and shine, East Valley! Rents stabilizing, drink spiking test kits, Luke Bryan and Dierks at Innings Festival, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Zoning update targets server farms: Gilbert planning officials took first steps to tighten data center rules, joining a trend. Clearer standards, possible height limits, and landscaping requirements are on the table as drafting continues — see what’s being considered.
Regional housing trends explained: New data shows Valley rents are stabilizing after the pandemic surge as construction boosts supply. More than 91,000 affordable apartments opened in 2024, and Tempe rents dipped from their peak — read the full story.
New protections for patrons: Tempe will require drink spiking test kits at bars and restaurants serving after midnight, the first of its kind in Arizona. The rules will take effect Aug. 1 — see what’s required and when.
Celebrating a Playful City: Tempe PlayDay will take place Saturday, February 28 at 10 a.m., offering free family fun with sports, kayaking, arts and crafts, and STEM activities, plus food trucks — check out the full lineup.
Gold continues to hold strong: After its best year in decades, gold remains near historic highs as investors look for stability amid inflation and debt. American Hartford has a free guide that covers everything you need to know. They’re also offering up to $25,000 of free silver on qualified accounts – check it out here.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.
Compare car insurance rates (it’s free): The average car insurance bill is roughly $175/month. I was paying more until I took a few minutes to compare quotes where I live. I ended up switching and cut my premium in half. Even if you’re not ready to switch, it’s worth checking – this comparison tool makes it easy.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
East Valley lifestyle additions: The Mission is now open at Epicenter at Agritopia in Gilbert, bringing Chef Matt Carter’s modern Latin menu, agave-forward cocktails, and that candlelit vibe. It’s the restaurant’s third Valley spot. Freed Beauty, a clean beauty and wellness boutique, will open later this month. Read about the new openings.
Exclusive concepts redefine workouts: Amped Fitness is bringing its biggest club yet to Mesa at 445 N Stapley Dr, following its Glendale debut. The high energy space is coming soon and aims to elevate training with immersive features. Reservations are open now for an upcoming 1-day Power Sale with Founder’s Rates. Get all the details.
Sourdough dreams, realized: When the midweek craving kicks in, Proof Bread offers naturally leavened loaves and flaky croissants that make sandwiches happier and breakfasts smugly better. A warm baguette or crusty boule, and suddenly the pantry feels organized, the toaster promoted, and morning plans mysteriously improved.
Fresh cut, zero fuss: TouchUps Salon does expert color, dimensional highlights, balayage, and precise cuts with stylists who actually listen, then make it happen. Need a reset or that fresh glow? Their smoothing treatments and easy booking keep hair polished and low-stress, so you leave feeling put-together.
What do people see when they search your name? Search results can surface past mistakes or outdated information that no longer reflects who you are. BetterReputation helps remove and clean up unwanted content so your online presence matches your real life today. Not worried about yourself? Doesn’t hurt to mention it to family or friends who might be.
Access cash without selling your home: A reverse mortgage can help cover everyday expenses, support healthcare needs, fund home improvements, or reduce pressure on 401(k) withdrawals – all while staying in your home. Longbridge offers a free calculator to estimate how much flexibility your home could provide, with no commitment required.
The weight loss game has changed: New GLP-1 medications work with your body’s natural hormones to help reduce appetite and support steady weight loss under medical supervision. Remedy Meds connects you with licensed clinicians online to see if you’re a good candidate. They’ll evaluate your health, provide transparent pricing, and ship medication straight to your door.
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📆 Around town this week
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
🌸 Paint and Sip Cherry Blossom Bloom @ Pinot’s Palette | Tuesday (2/17) at 7:00 PM – Midweek zen in Gilbert, where you sip something decent and paint a cherry blossom, no talent required, only attitude. Spring arrives on canvas, your Starving Artist cheese platter arrives with optional Salami Rose, and you can pour a soy candle beforehand to commit to calm.
🍌 Free Dinner Night @ USA’s Skateland Chandler | Wednesday (2/18) at 5:30 PM – Round up the kids for a free dinner and a meet and greet with a very yellow troublemaker. Think silly antics, photo ops, and a meal that does not involve you negotiating over broccoli. Low effort, high smiles, and yes, bananas are encouraged.
🌍 National Geographic Live – Life on the Move @ Mesa Arts Center | Wednesday (2/18) at 7:30 PM – Take a break from traffic complaints and hear National Geographic Live’s Lucy Hawkes, an ecologist tracking the planet’s greatest commuters. From ocean to land to sky, she unpacks epic migrations, vivid routes, and grit. Think rush hour, but with wings, fins, and better instincts.
🐜 Innovative Insects: Arthropod Hike @ Lost Dutchman State Park | Thursday (2/19) at 9:30 AM – If you prefer your wildlife with extra legs, join a one-mile Sonoran arthropod hike to spot insects and arachnids, and learn their desert survival tricks. Free with park entry, meet at Palo Verde Ramada, bring sturdy shoes, water, and a leashed pet. Limited to 12.
📅 Downtown Chandler Third Thursday @ Downtown Chandler | Thursday (2/19) at 6:00 PM – Third Thursday in Downtown Chandler means the streets turn into a strollable art gallery, with local artists, handmade finds, live music, and interactive pop-ups. Grab a treat at d’vine Gourmet, poke around EARTHWILD, Saba’s, or Shoe Thrill, because weeknights deserve better than laundry.
🚜 Friday at the Farm @ The Lavender Farm at Chateau de Vie | Friday (2/20) at 9:00 AM – Take a breather and wander the Lavender Farm at Château de Vie in Chandler, where a guide walks you through a mansion, hidden nooks, and restored stained glass. It smells like calm, looks like history, and comes with a love story, not the cheesy kind.
🎸 Innings Festival @ Tempe Beach Park | Friday (2/20) at 3:00 PM – Whether you can name every Cactus League park, or you just like guitars with your sun, Tempe Innings Festival mashes up big-name bands, MLB legends, and baseball antics at Tempe Beach Park. Expect batting cages, stories from the dugout, serious food, and an Arizona vibe.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 East Valley report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 76°F – Low: 55°F – Precip: 26%
A chance of rain showers after 5pm. Partly sunny. High near 76, with temperatures falling to around 74 in the afternoon. South southeast wind 0 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Later: A chance of rain showers before 11pm, then showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 55. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
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Tomorrow – High: 69°F – Low: 47°F – Precip: 53%
A chance of rain showers before 5pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 69. West southwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 47. South wind around 5 mph.
This house is wild
This 4-bed, 2.5-bath home on nearly half an acre in Higley Groves at Morrison Ranch pairs a fluid family room, kitchen, and breakfast nook with upgrades. The spa-like primary bath features a multi-body jet shower, designer lighting, and remote power draperies. Resort-style backyard offers a pool, covered patio, and lawn. Three-car side-entry garage, RV gate, and updated appliances and doors.
Take a peek inside →
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🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we genuinely think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week:
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