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It’s Friday, East Valley! In today’s can’t-miss-weekend-plans edition: Flood planning on Sonoqui Wash, indoor hockey training, and a Christmas in July bar crawl + a stacked lineup of events this weekend.
Today’s sponsor, Goldco, is helping folks around the East Valley protect their savings after a remarkable few years for gold and silver. Their free guide explains what's behind the run… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Flood planning underway: Gilbert is studying nearly two miles of Sonoqui Wash for flood dangers, citing sediment buildup and shallow or blocked sections during heavy storms. Results will map flow and guide fixes -- see the flood map findings.
Mesa’s local election spotlight: Mesa voters will choose three city council members on July 21, with Districts 4, 5, and 6 on the ballot. Candidates are emphasizing affordability, public safety, growth, and water sustainability -- read the full candidate roundup.
Training for hockey players: Skip the rink and sharpen your shot indoors in Mesa, where State 48 Hockey Barn offers ice-free training for players looking to practice through the Valley’s summer heat -- explore the training setup.
Watch your credit card balance drop. Here's a rare one: this card lets you skip interest charges until nearly 2028, and you won't pay a cent in annual fees to do it. On top of that, every purchase earns at least 1.5% cash back, with some categories as high as 5%. Spend a little early on and there's up to a $200 bonus waiting too -- take a look.*
Big markdowns on makeup made for women over 40: Laura Geller formulates for mature skin specifically. There's even a collection called The Over 40 Edit. The brand is offering new email subscribers up to 65% off, with an extra 22% off layered on top. Your email is all it takes to unlock it — worth a look.*
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half -- this free comparison tool makes it easy.* Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Gold just posted one of its strongest runs in decades...Silver has been right there with it, and after a few remarkable years both metals have become some of the most talked-about assets for investors looking to stay ahead of market volatility. While many are still sitting on the sidelines, others are quietly repositioning. If you’re wondering whether you’re missing something, Goldco has a free guide explaining what’s driving the renewed interest… and how investors are approaching precious metals right now. It’s free and worth reading before the next move.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Downtown vibes, Gilbert-style: Heritage District is the no-fuss plan for tonight, with local eats, public art, and that glow-up water tower giving serious small-town-heart, big-night energy. Stroll, snack, people-watch, maybe catch a show, then call it a win without straying far from home.
Chill without the buzz: If you want a social night that still lets tomorrow feel human, Mad Hatter Kava is a 100% alcohol-free hangout pouring kava, kratom and botanical blends, with a welcoming crowd and live music. Grab a friend and check out their East Valley spots this week.
Sweat, chill, repeat: If soreness, brain fog, or desert heat has you dragging, Reset Mind & Body - SanTan Village lines up infrared saunas, cold plunges, compression, red light, and warm hydrotherapy so you can feel human again... and maybe a little smug about your recovery game.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. *This one's 50% off right now →
The fitness trend that doesn't require leaving your living room: Chair yoga is having a moment, and for good reason. It's low-impact, easy on the knees and back, and you do the whole thing seated. No floor, no equipment, no studio. A quick quiz turns it into a personalized plan built around your body and goals, then adjusts as you build the habit. *See your plan →
Home insurance premiums jumped 12% last year alone: That's on top of years of increases that have outpaced inflation. Before you blindly renew with your current insurer, a free comparison tool matches your home with top-rated insurers so you can see quotes side by side, in about two minutes. Some homeowners find hundreds in savings, and if you don't find a better policy, you stay put knowing you checked. *See your options →
Plastic and wood are no good: Every time you use a plastic cutting board, microplastics end up in your food. You can’t see it, but it's happening and it’s gross. Wood isn't any better since it absorbs bacteria so deep into the grain you can’t get it out. More than 50,000 people have already ditched both for something better. *See what they're using instead →
Could you cover a $7,000 car repair tomorrow? For most people the honest answer is no, and that's the problem, because the big repairs don't wait for the right time. An extended warranty is what stands between you and that bill: the engine, transmission, and electrical failures that come out of nowhere. You bring it to any certified mechanic, pay a deductible, and the rest is handled. A free year of Elite Benefits and a 30-day money-back guarantee are included. *See what's covered → |
Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Around town this weekendOur favorite events this weekend. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🧵 Bag Ladies: Pocket Full of Rulers Tote @ Cozy Craft Room and Studio (Mesa) | Friday (7/17) at 10:00 AM – Quilters, make a big tote that actually fits your cutting mat and those rulers breeding in the closet. No curves, no zippers, just confident-beginner friendly sewing with a bit of strip-sewing homework, neat organization, and the quiet thrill of not chasing tools across parking lots.
🎬 Sanctuary Cinema @ Desert Chapel United Methodist Church (Apache Junction) | Friday (7/17) at 4:00 PM – Ever watched a flick from a pew? Sanctuary Cinema is opening the pews for a free community movie night, title to be revealed soon, so bring your best indoor voice, your comfiest sweater, and an appreciation for plot twists over sermon notes. All are welcome.
🎒 Back to School - Free Haircuts, Backpacks, & More + Car and Motorcycle Show @ Victory Outreach (Mesa) | Saturday (7/18) at 9:00 AM – Whether kids need a trim or your pantry needs a break, the back to school bash at Victory Outreach Mesa brings free haircuts, backpacks and supplies, free food, gently used clothing giveaway, and a car and motorcycle show. It’s free, family friendly, and low fuss.
🎾 Pretty in Pickleball @ Dink & Dine Pickle Park (Mesa) | Saturday (7/18) at 10:00 AM – Pretty in Pickleball takes over Dink & Dine Pickle Park, where your backhand, your banter, and your outfit all matter. Rally with friends, flaunt the good sneakers, then linger for court-side bites and drinks. It is cardio, community, and closet validation, Arizona-style.
🎳 Mobius Garden Bowling Fundraiser @ AMF Bowling Co. (Chandler) | Saturday (7/18) at 10:00 AM – Swap your weekend chores for frames at AMF McRay Plaza Lanes in Chandler, where even your gutter balls do good for rescued horses. $75 per bowler, No Tap tournament, mystery golden ticket raffle, 50/50 drawing, arcade games, family friendly, and a horse-themed menu.
🍽 Hands-on Cooking Class: Light Summer Lunches for Two @ TDOriginals and ODV Wines (Tempe) | Saturday (7/18) at 11:00 AM – Skip the endless salads and whip up light summer lunches for two in this hands-on class, from BLTs with gochujang aioli to blackened shrimp bowls and Key Lime Pie. Bring your favorite plus-one, $85 per person, and reserve by Monday, 7/6.
🎨 Kids Paint Your Pet Event @ Painting with a Twist (Gilbert) | Saturday (7/18) at 12:00 PM – Let the kids immortalize the dog, the cat, or that resilient goldfish at this Paint Your Pet session. All ages welcome, under 7 must come with an adult, 7 and up can be dropped off, snacks and non-alcoholic drinks welcome, and it starts on time. Live music & entertainment:
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsNothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill. *Custom policies available online → |
07 — East Valley report Weather forecastToday — High: 92°F — Low: 78°F — Precip: 74%
Showers and thunderstorms likely before 2pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 92. South southwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Later: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 78. East wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Tomorrow — High: 97°F — Low: 79°F — Precip: 37%
A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11am, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 97. West northwest wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. Later: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 5am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 79. East wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. This house is wildThis custom Vista Estancia estate pairs gated privacy with serious garage bragging rights, offering room for up to 8 vehicles plus toys or workshop space. Inside, 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and a den unfold across 4,100+ sq ft with soaring ceilings, travertine floors, Cantera stone accents, and multiple fireplaces. The resort-style backyard brings a pool, built-in BBQ, covered patio, and lush landscaping.
Take a peek inside → |
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