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It’s Friday, East Valley! Let’s finish this week strong.
In today’s can’t-miss-weekend-plans edition: Trisha Yearwood’s intimate acoustic show, community kitchens expanding, and gold and silver’s hot streak + a stacked lineup of events this weekend.
Today’s sponsor (FinanceBuzz) built a free comparison tool that helped me cut my car insurance premiums in half. It took about 3 minutes, and honestly… I wish I’d done it sooner. If you haven’t shopped around in a while, you can easily check the best rates here.
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📰 In the news
Food security meets education: Local First Arizona’s community kitchens in Mesa, Phoenix, and Glendale are helping families cook and eat healthier, with 2025 funding expanding the Mesa model and monthly food from local farmers — get all the details.
Beloved local Southern kitchens: From Monroe’s Hot Chicken to Blue Plate Co. and Word of Mouth Grill, Black-owned spots around ASU serve comfort favorites celebrating culture for Sun Devils across Tempe and Phoenix — discover these Black-owned eateries.
From legacy to next chapter: Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke delivered his last State of the City, reflecting on fields-to-fabs growth with Raiders of the Lost Ark theme, and filed to run for a House seat — read the full story.
Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why they’re back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.
Someone Googled you this week: Whether you’re dating again, selling something locally, or just meeting new neighbors… people are going to look you up. Like it or not, the internet has a way of surfacing past mistakes and outdated information that no longer reflects who you are. Thankfully, there’s a really easy way for you (or someone you care about) to clean up all that up – learn more here.
Highlights this week:
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🚗 Are you quietly overpaying for car insurance?
Together with our sponsor FinanceBuzz
Auto insurance premiums have been climbing across the country… and most folks won’t notice until it’s time to renew and they’re hit with a higher bill.
The frustrating part? Loyalty rarely gets rewarded. Insurers adjust prices constantly, and new customers often qualify for better rates than long-time policyholders.
I learned that the hard way. I had the same policy for half a decade. Autopay was on, I saw the charges come in every month and never thought twice about them. Turns out I was paying well above the national average ($175/mo) for a single car… for years.
This free comparison tool lets you check rates from multiple insurers in just a few minutes. It costs nothing to look, and it could save you hundreds this year.
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🫶 We got your back
Plant-based comfort fix: Craving wings, burgers, or a tSoynami without dairy drama? Green New American Vegetarian serves bold, satisfying takes that feel like a win, not a workaround. This Tempe standby brings playful specials, hefty portions, and weeknight relief when cooking sounds impossible.
Treasure hunt, leveled up: With 58,000 square feet and 250 vendors, Merchant Square Antique Marketplace is a Chandler rabbit hole of mid-century furniture, vinyl, quirky decor, and actually useful finds, plus an on-site cafe for breathers. Wander in for a peek, and you might happily lose track of the afternoon.
Low-maintenance glow-up: If mornings keep shrinking, AZ Brow Doctor delivers natural-looking microblading, lip blush, and subtle lash-line enhancement so “out the door” actually happens. Expect precise mapping, tidy results, and fewer mirror checks, giving your face a calmer week and you a little extra coffee time.
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.
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📆 Around town this weekend
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.
🚜 Friday at the Farm @ The Lavender Farm at Chateau de Vie | Friday (3/6) at 9:00 AM – Friday at the farm means lavender, a stately mansion, and a love story that puts your streaming queue to shame. Your guide leads you through restored woodwork and stained glass at Château de Vie. Tickets are limited, so plan ahead, and check in early.
🌙 Once Upon a Night Market @ Gilbert Arts Academy | Friday (3/6) at 5:30 PM – Nothing beats a night market where the kids glue glitter, you sample bites, and your to-be-read pile grows by three. Local vendors, authors, crafts, and hands-on fun, all free and neighborly. Come browse, snack, chat, and pretend this counts as decluttering.
🎸 Trisha Yearwood @ Chandler Center for the Arts | Friday (3/6) at 7:30 PM – Trisha Yearwood returns for an intimate acoustic evening, bringing her new album, The Mirror, to life with Leslie Satcher, Bridgette Tatum, and the hits you still know by heart. Living room vibes, better acoustics, no casserole required, and members get first dibs on tickets.
🚮 Bulldog Canyon Hackamore Cleanup @ Bulldog Canyon | Saturday (3/7) at 7:00 AM – Nothing beats giving the desert a little TLC with folks who actually get why we live here. Pitch in at Bulldog Canyon’s Hackamore entrance, with supplies and trash haul-off provided, then enjoy a free volunteer lunch. Bring your rig, sunscreen, and your good neighbor energy.
🎗 5th Annual Get Your Rear in Gear 5K Run/Walk @ Freestone Park | Saturday (3/7) at 8:00 AM – Take a brisk lap around Freestone Park for the 5th Annual Get Your Rear in Gear 5K, supporting colon cancer awareness and care. It’s a family-friendly run or walk, with a Kid’s Fun Run, a virtual option, and survivors registering free, because priorities, people.
🤠 Boots & BBQ Bash @ Flat Iron Park | Saturday (3/7) at 4:00 PM – AJ Boots & BBQ Bash is serving a Sensational Saturday of smoke, twang, and neighbors you wave to. The Donny Grubb Band takes the stage, so dust off the two-step, wear forgiving jeans, and alternate ribs with waters if you must, then call it cardio.
⚰ Double Butte Cemetery Tour @ Tempe Double Butte Cemetery | Sunday (3/8) at 11:00 AM – Whether you remember Mill Ave parking or just want a ghost-free stroll, take a free self-guided wander at Double Butte. Meet five Tempe women as docents share stories at marked graves, wear sturdy shoes, and for the love of sanity, carpool.
Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.
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📻 East Valley report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 73°F – Low: 46°F – Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 73. South wind 0 to 5 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 46. South southwest wind 0 to 5 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 79°F – Low: 56°F – Precip: 2%
Sunny, with a high near 79. East wind 0 to 5 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 56. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
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