The 2009 Valley of the Sun Solar and Sustainable Buildings Tour will take place on Oct. 24 & 25 (Sat./Sun.) where you can see how you can use solar energy, energy efficiency, and other sustainable technologies to reduce monthly utility bills and help tackle climate change. There are a lot of homes featured on this tour. Four Mesa homes are being featured. It's free and self-guided. Learn more at
The Arizona Fall League gives baseball fans a chance to see the up and coming stars of the MLB. The season begins on Oct. 13 and runs through Nov. 21.
Mesa's home team, the Solar Sox are made up of the top minor league players from the Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Minnesota Twins and Florida Marlins. See the Solar Sox play their first home game against the Phoenix Desert Dogs on Wed., Oct. 14 at 6:35 p.m. at Hohokam Stadium, 1235 N. Center St.
Tickets are $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and children 17 and under. Group tickets of twenty or more people are discounted at $3 per person. Tickets can be purchased on game day one hour prior to game time at the box office. For group tickets please call (602) 681-9362.
Arizona Fall League is made up of 6 teams and each team play a 32 game schedule 6 days per week, Monday through Saturday. See below for a list of Mesa Solar Sox home games. Gates open one hour before game time. All times are subject to change.
A good neighbor is one of the most effective crime prevention tools ever invented. That is the purpose for the City of Mesa hosting a Neighborhood Awareness Seminar Saturday, Oct. 10 from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the City of Mesa Utility Building, 640 N. Mesa Drive.
The seminar will include such topics as identifying gangs and graffiti, understanding the 911 system and how to be a good neighbor and a good witness. Mesa Police Commander Steve Stahl will update residents on crime prevention techniques and host a question and answer session. District 2 Councilmember Alex Finter will welcome residents to the seminar.
Breakfast snacks have been donated by Fry's Food Stores.
The primary focus of the seminar is on the current Building Strong Neighborhoods Initiative and surrounding neighborhoods. The current initiative lies within the boundaries of Gilbert Road to Harris Drive, Main Street to University Drive. However, the program is open to all Mesa residents.
The Neighborhood Awareness Seminar is a partnership involving the Mesa Police Department Red Mountain Division, City Prosecutor's Office and the Neighborhood Outreach Office.
For more information, contact Mesa Neighborhood Outreach Coordinator Susan Frabotta at (480) 644-5432 or susan.frabotta@mesaaz.gov.
For more information about Mesa real estate, email rmarsh@sjfowler.com or call Bob Marsh 480-529-2936
With more families opting to vacation closer to home this year due to a sluggish economy, the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department is inviting the public to enjoy a night of free camping at a County park. Beginning Thursday, October 1, visitors who pay the camping fee for one night at a desert mountain County park will receive the next night of equal value for free. Participating parks include:
1. CaveCreekRegionalPark. Located north of Phoenix, this park offers the illusion of being miles away from civilization. The campground has 38 individual developed campsites.
2. EstrellaMountainRegionalPark. Located near the meeting of the Gila and Agua Fria Rivers in the southwest Valley, the park includes a large wetland area. The park also offers seven developed campsites.
3. McDowellMountainRegionalPark. Nestled in the lower Verde River basin, this park is a desert jewel in the northeast Valley. This park has 76 developed campsites that are perfect for RV or tent camping.
4. UseryMountainRegionalPark. Located on the Valley's east side, this park is located at the western end of the Goldfield Mountains, adjacent to the Tonto National Forest. The park offers 74 individual developed campsites which can accommodate either an RV or tent camping.
5. WhiteTankMountainRegionalPark. At nearly 30,000 acres, this is the largest regional park in Maricopa County. Most of the park is made up of the rugged and beautiful White Tank Mountains on the Valleys west side. The park offers 40 individual semi-developed campsites.
At approximately 120,000 acres, Maricopa County is home to one of the largest regional park system in the United States. The parks are located throughout the county and are all within a 45-minute drive from downtown Phoenix. Some restrictions do apply.
Restrictions:
1. Guests who arrive after the entry station has closed must write "buy one, get one free" on the front of the envelope to receive the free night offer. Refunds will not be given to individuals who do not mention the promotional offer on their envelopes or at the entry station.
2. All campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis and reservations are not accepted.
3. Offer not valid for group campground reservations or unit fees.
4. Limit of one free night per family, household and/or group in a seven day period (Monday through Sunday).
5. Rain checks will not be issued if space is not available.
6. Offer not valid at Lake Pleasant Regional Park.
7. Offer valid Thursday, October 1, through Thursday, November 12, 2009.
To learn more about this offer or a County park, visit www.maricopa.gov/parks or phone (602) 506-2930.
For more information about Arizona real estate, email rmarsh@sjfowler.com or call Bob 480-529-2936
Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, located in Mesa, Arizona, has been awarded $8.9 million by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to expand the airport's commercial passenger terminal. Mesa Mayor Scott Smith and Queen Creek Mayor Art Sanders, who also serves as the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Authority Board Chair, made the announcement this morning during a news conference at the airport.
"We were excited earlier in the year when we learned Gateway was once again accepted in the FAA program," Congressman Harry Mitchell said. "Now, I am very pleased that Gateway was able to secure nearly $9 million for this critical project. Gateway continues to have a significant economic impact on our region, and this funding will allow the airport to expand its terminal to aid in those efforts."
Gateway will receive funds for an additional three years to complete terminal area projects designed to meet the needs due to the rapid growth of the airport, which is the third busiest airport in Arizona, and the busiest contract tower airport in the country.
"Mesa once again scored with major federal funding that will allow the airport to expand its terminal to handle the ever increasing passenger loads from the incredibly successful Allegiant Air, who has made the dream of Gateway becoming a viable reliever airport a reality," Mesa Mayor Scott Smith said.
"Congressman Mitchell has been a strong advocate for Gateway," Queen Creek Mayor and Board Chair Art Sanders said. "He has fought to secure funding for the airport over the last few years including $1.75 million in 2008 and another $950,000 in 2009. These funds helped support runway expansion and improvement projects. It is significant that these funds are coming to us from the FAA as discretionary and not earmark funding. The importance of this airport is recognized nationally."
The funds will be made available through the FAA's 2009 Military Airport Program (MAP), which uses federal funds to convert former military airports to civilian or joint-use airports. Gateway joins 11 other airports participating in this year's program.
"This is fantastic news," Mesa Councilmember Scott Somers said. "With Allegiant Air's expanding passenger service, we need to move quickly to expand our capacity at this airport. This expansion will also support the growing aerospace industry in the region including international businesses such as Embraer (One of the world's largest aircraft manufacturers from Brazil)." The Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport is located in Councilmember Somers district.
This morning's news conference was attended by representatives from Congressman Mitchell's office and the FAA Western Region office, numerous elected officials including Gilbert Mayor John Lewis and State Representative Lauren Hendrix, representatives from several state agencies as well as various city and airport staff members.
For more information on Arizona real estate email rmarsh@sjfowler.com or call Bob Marsh 480-529-2936
The City of Mesa, Arizona, announced today that they have been notified by the United States Department of Homeland Security that the Mesa Fire Department is set to receive $4,040,000 in Fire Station Construction Grants awarded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The funds are targeted for the construction of two new fire stations in east Mesa.
"Congratulations to the City of Mesa for its excellent work to win funding for the construction of these needed fire stations," U.S. Representative Harry Mitchell said. "Firefighters are on the frontlines protecting Arizona's families every day. These funds will help ensure that they have the resources to keep us safe."
"This amount represents 100 percent of our requested funds," Mayor Scott Smith said. "We have made public safety and quality of life for our residents our number one priorities in stimulus funding requests and we have been quite successful in securing numerous grants in a very competitive process."
The grant will pay $2,020,000 or about half of the construction cost of each station. This will allow the City to build an additional fire station which was not part of the 2008 public safety bond election. Voter-approved bond debt will pay for the balance of construction not covered by the grant and will also pay for equipment including emergency response vehicles.
"This is fantastic news," Councilmember and Public Safety Chair Dennis Kavanaugh said. "These locations are critical to the Mesa Fire Department's overall strategic plan for improving service delivery in those areas." Station 220, located at the intersection of 58th Street and Main Street in Council District 5, will cost approximately $3.8 million to build and is slated to open in late 2010.
"I am very pleased with this decision," Councilmember Dina Higgins said. "My district has needed this fire station for several years and I have been working tirelessly to get it funded and built as soon as possible." Station 219, a slightly larger facility with one more apparatus bay, will be built at the intersection of Signal Butte and Elliott in Council District 6, and will cost an estimated $4.75 million. This station is projected to open in early 2011.
"Southeast Mesa is one of the fastest growing areas of the City and had historically long response times," Councilmember Scott Somers said. "These stations will improve service and save lives and property." Both fire stations are targeted for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design or LEED Gold certification incorporating sustainable practices in the design and build of the facilities including renewable energy for the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning power systems and other energy conservation systems.
Mesa is one of only three Arizona cities, along with Gilbert and Buckeye, to be selected.
About Mesa, Arizona - The City of Mesa's estimated population is over 460,000 within an incorporated area of approximately 133 square miles. Total land area encompasses 182 square miles. The City ranks as the 38th most populous city in the United States, larger than the cities of Kansas City, Miami, St. Louis and Pittsburgh. Mesa is a favorite destination to thousands of visitors with more than 300 sun-filled days a year and average temperature of 72.6 degrees. The area's economy is driven by four major industries healthcare, education, aerospace, and tourism. Mesa is home to two award-winning airports, Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport and Falcon Field Airport. For more information about the City of Mesa go to mesaaz.gov.
To learn more about Mesa, Arizona, real estate email rmarsh@sjfowler.com - call Bob Marsh 480-529-2936
The City of Mesa Emergency Management is sponsoring a citywide community event, National Emergency Preparedness 2009 on Saturday, Sept. 26 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Mesa Riverview's Bass Pro Shops, 1133 N. Dobson (Loop 202 and Dobson). The theme for this fourth annual event is "Family Disaster Planning," and will feature valley wide emergency/disaster equipment, disaster education seminars, displays and entertainment focusing on the theme.
National Emergency Preparedness 2009 is part of National Preparedness Month, created by a Presidential mandate following 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina to help citizens become better prepared for disasters. "We know during large scale disasters, there may not be enough government resources to assist everyone, even those in serious need," Mesa Emergency Management Deputy Chief Shanon Cluff said. "This event allows us to share information, which may help prepare your family on what to do if disaster strikes."
More than 20 agencies, including Mesa Fire, Mesa Police and Mesa Energy Resources, are participating in National Emergency Preparedness 2009 with displays outside and inside Bass Pro Shops. The displays will include a variety of emergency disaster vehicles and apparatus, including helicopters, an emergency command van, fire trucks, mass decontamination equipment semi-trailer, HAZMAT unit, bomb squad and SWAT Team truck. The event also features free community preparedness seminars, such as Family Preparedness, CPR and First Aid, Flu Pandemic Planning, Making Sure Your Pets are Ready for a Disaster and Utilities and Safety.
In addition, Southwest Ambulance will have its "Salute to the Troops" ambulance that is wrapped in camouflage and includes silhouettes of military aircraft, the American flag and a bald eagle.
At noon, there will be a flag raising ceremony inside Bass Pro Shops. Mesa Mayor Scott Smith will talk about the importance of family disaster planning. Mesa Councilmember Dennis Kavanaugh will introduce members of the Citizens Corps and discuss the importance of citizen
volunteer groups during a disaster. Mesa Police Chief Vicki Myers will talk about the Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) program.
National Emergency Preparedness 2009 will also serve as the official kickoff for GAIN (Getting Arizona Involved in Neighborhoods), which is being held Saturday, Oct. 24 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Mesa. Several Block Watch captains will be participating at National Emergency Preparedness 2009 to provide information about GAIN.
There will be plenty of children's activities, family
entertainment and free prizes. There will also be appearances by several very popular mascots, including McGruff the Crime Dog and the Chick-Fil-ACow.
The American Red Cross will have a Community Blood Drive at Bass Pro Shops during the event. To schedule an appointment, visit https://www.givelife.org . The sponsor code is BeReady.
National Emergency Preparedness 2009 is hosted by several community partners, including City of Mesa, Mesa Fire, Mesa Police, Bass Pro Shops, Mesa Riverview, Mesa Public Schools, SRP, Banner Desert Medical Center, Boeing, Empire Southwest, Universal Fog Misting Systems and Toby Keith's I Love This Bar and Grill.
For more information, contact Mesa Fire at (480) 644-2101, extension 5163, or visit http://www.mesaaz.gov .
For more information about Mesa real estate email rmarsh@sjfowler.com or call Bob Marsh 480-529-2936
Mayor Smith has added a third forum to his summer series of free town-hall style meetings. Come hear about current City topics and ask questions about your neighborhood, major projects or anything else you are curious about. Mayor Smith will have an open forum discussion to provide answers to residents' questions. "I enjoy meeting and having an open dialogue with Mesa residents." Mayor Scott Smith said. "I talk with many residents at meetings, events and gatherings on a daily basis, these meetings are another opportunity for me to have contact with more people."
The meeting will be held in the Dobson Ranch area and light refreshments will be served.
Tuesday, September 22
6 p.m. reception
6:30 p.m. presentation
La Casita Community Center
2719 S. Reyes
Mesa, AZ
For additional information about Mesa real estate, email rmarsh@sjfowler.com, or call Bob Marsh 480-529-2936
Summer is winding down, but storms are still hitting the Valley. As the last major holiday of summer is here, Maricopa County residents must not let their guard down from the potential risk of West Nile virus (WNV).
Mosquito breeding season is still in its peak. The heat and recent monsoon rains provide ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes. It is essential to follow necessary recommendations to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and reduce the possibility of being bitten. Maricopa County departments of Public Health and Environmental Services remind County residents of the potential threat of WNV and the need to take proper precautions to prevent contracting the disease.
This Labor Day weekend whatever your plans may entail, it is important to be alert while spending time outdoors, whether entertaining, camping, in the yard, or enjoying other various activities.
There are several things that the public can do to protect themselves against West Nile virus, including:
When outdoors wear a mosquito repellant (follow label instructions, especially for use on children)
Eliminate mosquito-breeding sites around your property by removing standing water in potted plants, tires, buckets, and other containers
Keep fountains and swimming pools properly operating and free from debris
Report stagnant water such as green pools to Maricopa County
Repair damaged window and door screens
Contact Maricopa County for possible WNV infected dead birds drop-off locations
When outdoors wear long sleeves and long pants to prevent mosquito bites
Avoid outdoor activity before dawn and after dusk when mosquitoes are most active
Thus far this year, Maricopa County Public Health and Environmental Services departments have received laboratory confirmation of 13human cases of WNV, and 41 WNV positive mosquito samples, and 1 infected bird.
For more information on West Nile virus, as well as for WNV dead bird drop-off locations, to report green pools or file any mosquito related complaint, to set-up an appointment to obtain mosquito eating fish, and for WNV materials or presentations for your group/organization, call (602) 506-0700 or visit www.maricopa.gov/wnv
For more information on Arizona real estate email rmarsh@sjfowler.com or call Bob Marsh 480-529-2936
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
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