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Hey Marana, hope your week’s off to a good start!

In today’s edition: A shelter adds beds, choose-your-own steak, and a founders’ day parade + fun things to do for free & local fundraisers worth checking out this week.

Today’s sponsor, American Hartford Gold, is helping folks around Marana protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.

📰 In the news

A lifeline grows stronger: Sister Jose’s Women’s Shelter in Tucson has expanded its South Side headquarters, adding 12 more beds after a $1.3 million project, boosting help for women experiencing homelessness across the region — see who made it possible.

Recap, raffle, and what’s next: After a February program on local wildlife, SaddleBrooke Nature Club holds its next program today, March 9, bringing more desert nature insights close to home for neighbors in SaddleBrooke — read the full story.

Bold flavors without fuss: Opened February 6, Lomo Grill lets diners pick a steak from Lomo Premium Meats next door to be cooked over open flame, with an Oro Valley butcher shop in development — get all the details.

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.

Highlights this week:

• Ladies 50+ socialize over monthly brunch
• Enjoy pizza and pints, support Innovation Academy
• Celebrate Marana Little League Opening Day

🫶 We got your back

Craving a real sandwich: Baggin’s Gourmet Sandwiches layers made-to-order stacks on locally baked Viro’s bread, with house-made sauces, real albacore tuna, and no-nitrate meats. Yes, the little chocolate chip cookie tags along. Gluten-free and veggie options keep weekday lunches easy and happy.

Easy weeknight escape: Crossroads at Silverbell District Park packs shaded playgrounds, courts and fields, a dog park, picnic tables, and a seasonal splash pad when temps climb. It’s an easy spot for a family hang or pickup game; this Marana staple keeps weeknights simple and fun.

Upgrade game night: From fresh board games to TCG staples, plus a roomy play area, Tucson Games and Gadgets keeps game night simple and fun. Expect low-key browsing, sharp staff recs, and that ‘one more round’ energy… the kind that turns casual hangs into legendary rivalries.

Why your last diet didn’t work: Sustained weight loss is nearly impossible with diet alone. Your body literally fights back by making you hungrier the moment you start restricting calories. That’s why more doctors are recommending GLP-1s. The best part? Getting them has never been easier. We compared three programs to help you find the right fit. See which ones stood out →

Your data is for sale right now: There are over 400 websites selling your info to marketers, political campaigns, and scammers. They’ve got your phone number, home address, relatives’ names… you name it. That’s how robocallers seem to know everything about you before you pick up. You can remove your info one site at a time, or pay a service to do it for you. Here’s what we recommend →

📆 Free events worth checking out

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.

🗿 Presentation: On the Trail of the Ancient Ones @ The National Parks Store (Oro Valley) | Wednesday (3/18) at 12:00 PM – Terry Poppleton is guiding us through the ruins without leaving town, a thousand-year trek across Chaco, Mesa Verde, and Hovenweep, minus the blisters. Nerd out on the Southwest’s ancient cultures, impress the grandkids later. Free, but register at WNP.org/tucsonevents.

🎶 TuneSmith @ Ed Honea Marana Municipal Complex | Thursday (3/19) at 5:00 PM – Third Thursday in Marana means a free concert in the Municipal Complex courtyard, and this month TuneSmith brings the hooks. It’s #MaranaDogLife Night, so bring the well-behaved fur kid, a lawn chair, and your inside voice. Low-key vibes, real neighbors, zero cover. Details at MaranaEvents.com.

🎸 Dr. Costa @ The National Parks Store (Oro Valley) | Saturday (3/21) at 10:00 AM – Nothing beats live guitar under an Oro Valley sunset, especially when a Brazilian virtuoso blends classical lyricism, Spanish and Latin fire, and improvisation. Dr. Costa turns the park into a concert hall. It’s free, no registration, just bring a folding chair, sunscreen, and patio mindset.

🎉 Marana Founders’ Day @ Marana Municipal Building | Saturday (3/21) at 10:00 AM – Marana Founders’ Day is rolling down the main drag with a classic small-town parade, local pride, and plenty of lawn-chair diplomacy. Later, expect food trucks, kids chasing candy, maybe a tractor or two, and neighbors you actually like catching up.

⚾ Opening Ceremonies – Marana Little League @ Ora May Harn Park Marana Az | Saturday (3/28) at 8:30 AM – Grab your lawn chair and head to Ora Mae Harn District Park for Marana Little League Opening Day, kicking off baseball and softball season with players, families, coaches, and community spirit. Morning ceremonies by division, afternoon games for the big kids, plus sunscreen, coffee, and bragging.

🕯 Nighthawk72 Memorial Service @ Marana Regional Airport | Saturday (4/4) at 10:00 AM – Mark the calendar for a hometown moment that matters. We’re gathering at Marana Regional Airport on April 4, 2026 at 10 a.m. to honor the 19 warriors lost on April 8, 2000, with neighbors, quiet gratitude, and the respect this place is built on.

✨ Upcoming local fundraisers

🌶 Tangerine Farms Day @ Thai Chili 2go – Marana | Thursday (3/12) at 11:00 AM – Whether you’re team mild or sweat-through-your-shirt, mention or use code TK25 at Thai Chili 2 Go, in store or online, and 25 percent goes to Tangerine Farms K-8’s TFCO. Hit the Marana spot in the Fry’s complex, feed the family, skip the bake sale.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 Marana report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 69°F – Low: 46°F – Precip: 34%

A chance of rain showers before 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 69. West southwest wind 3 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 46. South wind around 6 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 79°F – Low: 49°F – Precip: 0%

Sunny, with a high near 79. North northeast wind 3 to 9 mph. Later: Clear, with a low around 49. Northeast wind 5 to 8 mph.

Are you quietly overpaying for car insurance? 🚗

Premiums have been climbing across Arizona but most folks won’t notice until they’re hit with a higher bill when it’s time to renew.

That’s exactly what happened to me. I had the same policy for half a decade. Autopay was on, it was out of sight and out of mind. Turns out I was blindly paying way more than everyone else I knew.

If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too – here’s the comparison tool I used.

This house is wild

Inside the gated Sonoran Preserve near Dove Mountain, this custom Southwest Contemporary blends artisan detail with desert living. A dramatic great room and chef’s kitchen with a built-in coffee system anchor the plan. The spa-like primary adds a ProSun tanning system. Outdoors offer a resort pool and spa plus a rooftop patio with fire feature and city-light and mountain views.

Take a peek inside →