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Hey West Valley, hope your week’s off to a good start! Lady Gaga: The Mayhem Ball, Arizona Flying Circus, Surprise Squad free groceries, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
New leadership for rural projects: Greater Arizona Development Authority appointed Jessi Pederson as director. The Glendale veteran helped land employers and over $2 billion in investment, bringing West Valley experience to statewide infrastructure — get details on GADA’s appointment.
Bridging campus and city halls: ASU has launched the Center for Local Government Education and Innovation, led by former Peoria City Manager Jeff Tyne, to train public leaders and expand learning options for local officials — get all the details.
Uplifting kindness in action: Arizona’s Family Surprise Squad picked up grocery tabs at a north Phoenix Fry’s Marketplace, surprising shoppers at checkout. The stop was part of the station’s ongoing community outreach — read the full story.
Trail injuries prompt safety reminders: Firefighters handled mountain rescues across the Valley, including Peoria’s WestWing Mountain and Phoenix’s Desert Classic Trail. Crews urge hikers to bring water, a charged phone, and know their limits — get all the details.
Gold & silver are hot: Last year was gold’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150%… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. Curious about precious metal investing? GoldCo has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial walk-in-the-door fee to x-rays, surgery, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could save thousands on your next vet bill with Lemonade.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
*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
Top high school talents gather: Hoops news for the West Valley. Glendale lands the 49th McDonald’s All American Games for the first time. Final rosters of 24 girls and 24 boys were announced on February 2. The showcase will be March 31 at Desert Diamond Arena. Tickets are available now, benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities. Get all the details.
Your neighbors are Googling you: It’s uncomfortable but true — employers, new friends, even other parents at school pickup search names all the time. If something negative, outdated, or misleading shows up first, it can shape opinions before you ever meet. BetterReputation helps push down unwanted search results so your first impression actually reflects who you are today. And if it’s someone you care about, you can help them too.
Community-driven home security boost: Ring teamed up with Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona and the Paris Johnson Jr. Foundation to outfit Glendale Habitat homes with free security devices. Volunteers, including Johnson and Ring founder Jamie Siminoff, installed four devices per home, 44 total, helping families feel safer and learn how to use them. See which devices were installed.
Gold is having a moment: Between inflation headlines, market swings, and growing global uncertainty, precious metals are (again) in the spotlight. American Hartford is currently offering up to $25,000 in free silver when you open a qualified account. They’ll also help you set up a penalty-free gold IRA with a lowest price guarantee, no buyback fees, and 7-day price protection.
Stock up on strings: Whether your kid just joined band, your fingers need fresh strings, or your home studio craves another gadget, Musical Surprise keeps a legit retail shop beside its lesson hub, staffed by players who get it. It covers music errands, sparks useful finds, and maybe a new habit.
A second opinion never hurts: Not every financial advisor is the right fit, and it’s okay to explore your options. Unbiased matches you with an advisor based on your personal situation, giving you a chance to ask questions in a free, no-pressure conversation to see if the fit makes sense. No obligation — just helpful advice.
Weeknight pho fix: After a long day, Surprise Pho serves deeply savory broth, bright herbs, and slurpable noodles that make everything feel right again. It’s the trusty spot for cozy dinners, swift takeout, or persuading the family that a steaming bowl of soup absolutely qualifies as self-care.
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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.
This week
🐉 War of the Phoenix IV: The Year of the Phoenix & Dragon | Tuesday (2/10) at 8:00 AM – Medieval mayhem takes over Phoenix International Raceway, with phoenixes, dragons, and more camaraderie than a neighborhood potluck. Expect armored battles, bardic circles, and serious camp craft, not Ren Faire lines. Pre-register to save a few coins, claim your camp, and rally your people.
🥕 Goodyear Estrella Farmers Market @ Starpointe Residents Club | Wednesday (2/11) at 10:00 AM – Midweek at the Starpointe lot means one thing, a neighborhood market with real produce, legit eats, and zero gimmicks. Stroll, chat with neighbors, and stock the fridge without a Costco battle. In the Starpointe Resident Clubhouse parking lot, with Estrella views, right here in Goodyear.
✈ 2026 Arizona Flying Circus @ S 99th Ave, 85139 | Thursday (2/12) at 6:00 AM – Take a break from the HOA and head to the Arizona Flying Circus, where ultralights, fireworks, and big art share the Sonoran sky. It’s equal parts aviation show-and-tell, range day, and desert campout, with good people, tall tales, and starry silence between the booms.
This weekend
🍝 Handmade pasta? That’s amore! @ North Italia | Saturday (2/14) – Whether you’re celebrating decades together or just dating your appetite, this Valentine’s 3-course prix fixe delivers handmade pasta, cheers-worthy cocktails, your go-to house specialties, and a few brand-new flings. Book a table now, then relax, eat well, and let the carbs do the flirting.
🌵 Desert West Valentine’s Market 2/14 @ Estrella Mountain Community College | Saturday (2/14) at 9:00 AM – Valentine’s Day done right out at Estrella Mountain. Browse 150 plus local vendors, a floral bar, live music, a photo booth, lawn games, tasty food trucks, and permanent jewelry, if commitment is your thing. Leave the dog, bring your wallet, and your favorite person.
♿ Walk n’ Roll for Inclusion @ DreamCatcher Park | Sunday (2/15) at 11:00 AM – Whether you stroll, roll, or supervise a folding table, this community Walk n’ Roll for Inclusion needs ladder 2+ volunteers who know their way around a checklist. Help set up, cheer folks on, and collect karma, coffee, and steps before the weekend errands.
🎨 Galentine’s Day Ceramics Paint Party @ Waddels Longhorn Corral | Sunday (2/15) at 2:00 PM – Skip the prix fixe and round up your besties for a Galentine’s ceramic paint night, where you pick from mugs, hearts, and quirky figurines, then make them yours. Zero experience, all supplies, and you leave with a keepsake that isn’t another group selfie.
Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 West Valley report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 79°F – Low: 61°F – Precip: 7%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 79. East southeast wind 0 to 5 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. South southeast wind 0 to 5 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 76°F – Low: 55°F – Precip: 8%
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 76. South wind 0 to 5 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 55. West wind 0 to 5 mph.
This house is wild
This Palm Valley pool home is built for entertaining, with a resort-style backyard featuring a diving pool, water feature, built-in BBQ, and a patio for Arizona evenings. Inside, updated kitchen and baths pair with rich wood flooring and plantation shutters. A downstairs primary suite, loft with dramatic catwalk, modern railings, three-car garage, RV gate, and VA assumable loan add versatility.
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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