••
Teen suicide alarm / P. 4
Coming to Gateway / P. 12
An edition of the East Valley Tribune
INSIDE
This Week GRADUATION SECTION
BUSINESS ............
18
Mesa, Valley housing market beginning to shift.
SPORTS ..............
24
East Mesa athletes shine at state track meet. COMMUNITY................................. 15 BUSINESS....................................... 18 OPINION......................................... 21 SPORTS........................................... 24 GET OUT......................................... 26 CLASSIFIED.................................... 30 Zone 2
1
Sunday, May 22, 2022
FREE ($1 OUTSIDE THE EAST VALLEY) | TheMesaTribune.com
Mesa declares first-stage water use alarm BY SCOTT SHUMAKER Tribune Staff Writer
I
n response to long-term drought and recent declines in water storage on the Colorado River, the City of Mesa on May 18 declared the first stage of its Water Shortage Management Plan in effect on May 18. This initial stage, called “water watch,” focuses on raising public awareness and doesn’t include mandatory conservation measures, like
City poised to adopt recordbreaking budget
limited hours for watering lawns and gardens. But even without restrictions, the city hopes to shave 5% from the city’s water use through voluntary reductions. The city will try to practice what it preaches for residents and businesses by reducing water use in city operations. “The city is the largest water user in Mesa,” Water Resources Advisor Brian Draper told council at its May 12 session. “It’s going to be imperative that the city set that example and
start looking for ways to conserve, before we ask our residents to have to take some mandatory measures.” Draper said city departments will be meeting to brainstorm ways to save additional water on top of its routine conservation measures. “The City of Mesa has always been active trying to conserve water,” he said. “We used to have grass in medians and along the side
see SHORTAGE page 6
Eyes of the beholders
BY SCOTT SHUMAKER Tribune Staff Writer
O
n May 16, Mesa City Council adopted a tentative budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, and it is a whopper – a record-breaking $2.3 billion in available resources, compared with $2.1 billion for the current year, which was the previous record-holder. The budget includes the equivalent of 4,400 full-time city employees for next year, an increase of 160 employees from the current budget. The council will hold a budget hearing and potentially approve a final budget at its June 6 meeting. The adoption of the tentative budget
see BUDGET page 9
Jerry Newport and Erin Middleton check out a sculpture at the Arts in Service exhibit at Mesa Arts Center. The exhibit was the seasonal high point of a program that is helping veterans find new ways to express themselves. For the story, see page 15. (David Minton/Tribune
Staff Photographer)
Milgard® offers beautiful, comfortable, energy efficient vinyl windows and doors for your home Whether you’re building a new home or renovating your existing one, your choices are wide open when it comes to selecting beautifully designed Milgard windows and patio doors. Strong, beautiful, long lasting and durable. Milgard windows and patio doors are designed with stunning architectural style and superior performance. Plus, you’ll feel secure in your investment with an industry leading, Full Lifetime Warranty that includes parts and labor.
4454 E. Thomas Rd. Phoenix • 602-508-0800 • liwindow.com Mon-Thurs 8:30-5pm • Fri 8:30-4pm • Sat 9-2pm • ROC#179513
