Hello West Valley! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Downtown growth plan, collectors’ card show, and donuts with dispatch + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Downtown growth plan: Peoria is investing $15 million in Jefferson House, a new downtown hub with a restaurant and bar, aiming to jumpstart private development and ultimately generate $450 million in revenue -- see Peoria’s downtown plan.
Collectors’ weekend in Glendale: Front Row Card Show will take over State Farm Stadium in Glendale June 27–28, with 650 tables of sports cards, comics, and collectibles, plus on-site grading and autograph authentication -- get the full event details.
Regional water deal: Peoria City Council approved a water exchange June 16, giving Cave Creek a short-term supply while securing Peoria access to recovered water and adding a fee to support well operations -- see the water exchange deal.
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.*
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half -- this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
You've traveled abroad without being able to speak the local language. You can change that in just 10 minutes a day. Most people are holding real conversations within three weeks. In fact, 92% of users improved their proficiency in just two months, with 25 million subscriptions sold -- take 55% off.* Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC billIf your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Feathered history fix: Need a low-effort, high-charm outing close to home? Sahuaro Ranch Park mixes historic ranch vibes with shady green space, wandering fowl that act like they pay the mortgage, and roomy play areas... perfect for a picnic, kid energy burn, or a quiet lap under the trees.
Desert-proof your yard: SummerWinds Nursery in Glendale is where West Valley plant parents level up, with heat-savvy natives, houseplants that forgive, and advice from folks who actually garden here. Grab soil, pots, and a little confidence, then watch your patio stop sulking and start thriving.
Pinball therapy, anyone?: West Valley folks, give Tilt Gamez a spin when your brain needs a quick reset... this pinball-forward arcade keeps the machines crisp, the vibes low-stress, and the skill ceiling high. Perfect for sneaking in a few satisfying multiballs between errands or after-school drop-offs.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
Makeup for skin that's changed, now up to 65% off: Laura Geller has built its following on formulas made for mature skin, led by the baked foundations women over 40 keep coming back to. Right now, new email subscribers get up to 65% off plus an extra 22%. Enter your email on the page and the discount activates. *See the VIP pricing →
Need cash but can't take on another monthly payment? This gets you a lump sum from your home's equity with no monthly bill and no interest, because it isn't a loan. Use the funds for anything, whether that's home improvements, paying off debt, or a large purchase, and pay it back by the end of your 30-year term. Checking your offer is easy, fully online, and won't affect your credit score. *See your cash offer →
Buy one window treatment this summer, get the second 50% off: “My fourth order over 8 years. Product reliability, consistency to values & warranty kept me returning!” See what keeps customers coming back to 3 Day Blinds. Book your free consultation and enjoy summer savings on blinds, shades, and drapery. *Claim your summer savings →
Carrying $5,000 or more on your cards? Stop the interest charges: A balance that size racks up interest fast, and at today's rates it barely budges no matter how much you pay. This card gives you 0% intro APR until 2028 on balance transfers (made in the first 60 days), with a $0 annual fee. That means almost two years to pay down what you owe with no interest charges. *See if it's a fit →
Wish you had someone to talk to right now? The quiet hours are the hardest, especially when you just want someone to talk to. That's exactly what this is built for: real conversations, real matches, real people. Not endless swiping, but actual chats with singles who want to connect as much as you do. Someone to talk to could be a message away. *Join now and start chatting → |
Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Fun for the famOur favorite upcoming kid and family-friendly events. All events are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🚗 Caffeine and Chrome @ Gateway Classic Cars of Scottsdale (Peoria) | Saturday (6/27) at 8:00 AM – Bring the daily driver to Caffeine and Chrome at Gateway Classic Cars, the last-Saturday meet where coffee, donuts, and chrome do the talking. Stroll gleaming classics, trade stories, snag a free morning out with the family and pup, before the maple bars mysteriously vanish.
🍩 Donuts With Dispatch @ Asante Library (Surprise) | Saturday (6/27) at 10:00 AM – Got kids curious about the voices behind 9-1-1? Donuts with Dispatch pairs free treats, meet-your-local-heroes moments, and easy chats with real dispatchers and first responders, plus gentle lessons on when to call for help, not for homework. No sirens, just sprinkles.
🐾 Pet Supplies Plus and PACC911 Adoption Event @ Pet Supplies Plus (Surprise) | Saturday (6/27) at 10:00 AM – Pet Supplies Plus is turning the AC up while PACC911 brings in a pack of adoptable charmers, all safe from sidewalk sizzle. Whether your house is dogless or your resolve is flimsy, expect wet noses, wagging tails, and the possibility of being adopted yourself.
🎨 Family Paint Party @ Irish Wolfhound Restaurant & Pub (Surprise) | Sunday (6/28) at 1:00 PM – Trade the iPads for paintbrushes at this family Paint Nite, where the kids go full Picasso and you remember which end of the brush to hold. Friendly guidance, washable colors, and fridge-worthy masterpieces, plus the rare miracle of everyone sitting at the same table.
💦 Acceptional Splash @ Buckeye Aquatics Center | Sunday (6/28) at 2:00 PM – Take a dip at a laid-back swim designed for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, free for the IDD community. No lap timers, just pool time, friendly faces, and an Acceptional Acres booth with West Valley plans for housing, employment, and belonging.
📚 Kid Librarian @ Civic Center Library (Avondale) | Monday (6/29) at 4:00 PM – Got a kid who critiques storytime like a pro? The Civic Center Library is letting ages 4-12 try on the title of Kid Librarian, with one chosen each month to team up with staff and create something bookish. Power trip, stickers, and bragging rights included.
🇺 Kids Craft: Red, White, and Blue Sun Catchers @ Sam Garcia Western Avenue Library (Avondale) | Tuesday (6/30) at 4:00 PM – If your fridge is at capacity, let the kids make red, white, and blue sun catchers instead. A hands-on craft for school-age makers, with sparkle, scissors, and zero glitter in your carpet. You get a quiet minute, they get art that actually catches light.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — The West Valley report Weather forecastToday — High: 111°F — Low: 87°F — Precip: 1%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 111. Southwest wind 0 to 10 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 87. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 111°F — Low: 85°F — Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 111. South southwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 85. Southwest wind 0 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. This house is wildThis 3,675 sq ft PebbleCreek golf villa delivers contemporary style and serious entertaining power, with 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2 powder rooms, and a private elevator. Quartz, custom paint, crown moulding, and stacked glass walls set the tone. Two kitchens, a wine center, bonus room bar, and sweeping golf course views round out the fun.
Take a peek inside → |
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