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Rise and shine, East Valley! In today’s edition: Paranormal Cirque thrills, the Arizona Balloon Classic takes flight, a historic home tour reveals the Ponderosa II, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Community readiness protects residents: Mesa has been renewed as a StormReady Community by the National Weather Service, recognizing strong planning and communication for severe weather. The certification is now valid through 2030 — learn how Mesa stays prepared.
Long-term city investment plan: Chandler plans to sell $160 million in property tax-backed bonds to fund new public facilities, parks upgrades, street work, and public safety projects, with maturities running from 2027 to 2044 — get all the bond details.
Bold bites, local buzz: Twist Hot Chicken has opened in south Tempe, taking over the former Donut Parlor at Elliot and Priest with Nashville-style sandwiches, spicy tenders, generous portions, and a lineup of sauces — get all the details.
Are you overpaying? The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. I was paying over $300 for ONE car until I checked out various quotes, switched providers, and ultimately cut my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably losing money too — this free comparison tool makes it easy.
Gold & silver are hot: Gold just had it’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150% in 2025… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. If you’re curious about adding precious metals to your portfolio as a market hedge, American Hartford has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.
*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
Midcentury TV nostalgia unveiled: Mesa’s Historic Home Tour takes place Saturday, January 17, featuring five Golden Hills homes, including the Ponderosa II, a full-scale 1963 replica of Bonanza’s ranch house built by actor Lorne Greene. This is the first time it’s open to the public. All ticket proceeds benefit the Mesa Historical Museum. Get all the details.
Where kids thrive after school: From homework help to hands-on enrichment and a hot meal, ICAN: Positive Programs for Youth is a Chandler nonprofit offering free, high-quality after-school programs that keep kids supported and inspired while parents breathe easier. Safe spaces, caring mentors, real-world skills… afternoons that matter.
Brows behaving themselves: Growing out sparse arches or craving low-fuss polish? At BROWHAUS, thoughtful mapping, natural shaping, lamination, and tinting happen in a calm, no-pressure studio. A tidy refresh now means future-you wakes up to brows that actually cooperate, so your morning mirror moment is blissfully brief.
A new haircare solution: My hair’s been thinning and I’ve been quietly ignoring it, hoping it’ll fix itself. Plot twist… it hasn’t. When I finally started looking into what I should do, there were so many options I didn’t know where to start. I stumbled on Keranique, and its simplicity really sold me. One kit, no pills, no choosing products, and no confusion whatsoever. It’s also on sale with a money-back guarantee (although I doubt you’ll need it).
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📆 Around town this week
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All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
🍄 Mushroom Wreath Dream @ Pinot’s Palette | Monday (1/12) at 7:00 PM – Paint and sip your way through a whimsical Mushroom Wreath Dream at the Gilbert studio, because nothing says weeknight therapy like acrylics, cabernet, and cheerful fungi. No skills required, just a steady-ish hand, friends who heckle kindly, and a glass that stays topped.
🎪 Paranormal Cirque @ Phoenix Premium Outlets | Monday (1/12) at 7:30 PM – Phoenix Premium Outlets is trading coupons for cobwebs as Paranormal Cirque rolls into Chandler. Think acrobatics, illusions, and a little deliciously creepy theater under the big black tent. Grab a neighbor, find the good parking, and let your inner goth have a night out.
🧵 Stitch & Create Beginner Sewing Skills @ Southeast Regional Library | Wednesday (1/14) at 4:00 PM – Swap the doomscroll for a needle, some thread, and the quiet satisfaction of stitches in Gilbert. This beginner-friendly class teaches threading needles, tying knots, and simple hand sewing, week by week, with bite-size projects that build patience and creativity. Low stress, high cozy.
🎩 Science and Art of the Victorian Era @ Chandler Nature Center | Wednesday (1/14) at 5:30 PM – Trade your streaming queue for the Victorian heyday of natural history, where curiosity wore corsets. Explore American and European breakthroughs in science and the environment, and the art that sold them, from botanical illustration, meticulous taxidermy, and ornate dioramas.
🎤 Hello! A Tribute To Lionel Richie @ Apache Junction Performing Arts Center | Thursday (1/15) at 7:00 PM – Yes, it’s a tribute, but it’s the one Lionel actually blessed, with Malcolm serving up all the greatest hits. He has sung as “Lionel” on BBC, shared the Royal Box with the man, and knows every swoon cue. Expect sweet soul, smooth moves, and singalongs.
🎈 Arizona Balloon Classic @ Wild Horse Pass Corporate Center | Friday (1/16) at 12:00 PM – Arizona’s beloved hot air balloon spectacle returns to Wild Horse Pass, back where it belongs for its 15th run. Think colorful dawn launches, an evening glow, and a mellow way to sip coffee, snap photos, and look adventurous without breaking a sweat.
🏆 Dr. Martin Luther King Junior Awards Ceremony @ Chandler City Council Chambers | Friday (1/16) at 4:00 PM – This ceremony celebrates neighbors who walk the talk, honoring Youth Action, the Emma Arbuckle, and MLK Distinguished Achievement awardees. Expect an inspiring keynote and anthems to lift the room. Bring your polite clap, then stick around for a Vision Gallery reception to toast Chandler.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📣 Own or manage a local business?
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📻 East Valley report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 71°F – Low: 42°F – Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 71. East northeast wind around 5 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 42. East northeast wind 0 to 5 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 71°F – Low: 43°F – Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 71. Northeast wind around 0 mph. Later: Clear, with a low around 43. North northeast wind around 0 mph.
This house is wild
Set on a 1.33-acre County Island lot in a quiet, no-HOA area, this Santa Fe-style home faces southwest and is ringed by mountains. Mountain and valley vistas shine from two covered balconies, including 50-mile views from the front. A 15-by-70 rear patio and fireplace area anchor the desert hardscape. A private well, deep three-car garage, extra parking for RVs, and 220 power deliver practical muscle.
Inside, 10-foot ceilings and 8-foot Alder doors frame a 4-by-8 stained-glass entry. Hickory cabinetry, two pantries, a raised dishwasher, and double ovens suit cooks. A projector, media closet, wiring, and security screens elevate comfort. The upstairs flex suite adds options.
Take a peek inside →
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