Author
Zac Coplan
Story archive
More from Zac Coplan.
Salad and Go Takeovers and a Possible Gilbert Comeback
A guide to the reported 7 Brew, Swig, Dutch Bros and Just Salad sites—and the separate $180,000 brand purchase behind a possible Gilbert comeback. Here’s what is known as of October 19.
The Switchyard in Queen Creek: Signs Are Up. Here’s What’s Next.
The Switchyard sign is lit and the outdoor spaces are taking shape. See our latest photos, the announced restaurants and shops, and the Town’s opening timeline for downtown Queen Creek.
Barnes & Noble Is Taking Shape at Queen Creek Marketplace
The windows are papered between Ross and Tilly’s. Here’s where to find Queen Creek’s planned Barnes & Noble, what’s announced for the café and store, and the scheduled November 11 opening.
Canyon Lake Looks Unrecognizable. Here's Why the Water Is Dropping
Exposed shelves, marina structures and unidentified coils appear in our October 11 footage. Here is why Canyon Lake is being lowered, where the water goes and what the closure means.
In-N-Out Proposed at Arizona Athletic Grounds in Southeast Mesa
Mesa records identify an In-N-Out proposal at Arizona Athletic Grounds with dual drive-thru lanes. Here is what is confirmed, what comes next and what remains unknown.
East Valley Pumpkin Patches & Corn Mazes: 2026 Fall Guide
There is still time for an October farm outing. Compare Vertuccio’s corn maze, Schnepf’s Pumpkin & Chili Party and a Queen Creek food-truck dinner.
What’s Being Built at Elliot and Signal Butte? Circle K Plans
The dirt lot beside Swig at Elliot and Signal Butte is a planned Circle K. See original aerial photos, the city’s site-plan details and what’s known about timing.
Signal Butte Bike Park Grand Opening Announced for November 7
Signal Butte Bike Park in Mesa is scheduled to open November 7, 2026, at 10 a.m. Find the entrance, riding areas, parking details and what to check before a first visit.
What’s at Elliot and Signal Butte? Mesa’s Water Plant Explained
The red-roofed complex at Elliot and Signal Butte is Mesa’s drinking-water treatment plant. See original aerial photos and learn what its expansion will add.
Oregano’s at Signal Butte and Elliot Is Now Open
Oregano’s at 3506 S. Signal Butte Road in Mesa is now open. East Valley Explorer confirmed by phone on October 9, 2026.
Cadence at Gateway Amenities: Pools, The Square & Community Center
Explore Cadence at Gateway’s pools, The Square, Flourish Community Center, MOTO Fitness Center and gathering spaces through original photos from Mesa.
Cadence at Gateway HOA: Fees, Access & Resident Information
A sourced guide to Cadence at Gateway HOA assessments, amenity access, documents, design review and resident contacts in Mesa.
SR 24’s Future: How US 60, SR 505 and Central Arizona Parkway Could Connect
SR 24 could one day reach US 60 and connect with SR 505 and Central Arizona Parkway. Here’s how the proposed network fits together—and what could happen first.
DICK’S House of Sport Gilbert Is Open: Hours and Whole Foods Plans
DICK’S House of Sport is open at 2096 S. SanTan Village Parkway. See current store hours, activity information and what remains unconfirmed about Whole Foods.
Sprouts Opens at Ellsworth and Ray in Mesa: A First Look Inside
Green-and-white balloons, opening-day shoppers and a first look inside: the new Eastmark-area Sprouts is open at Ellsworth and Ray. Here’s what to know before you go.
Sam’s Club Planned for Gateway Crossing at SR 24 and Williams Field Road
Sam’s Club is the planned anchor for Gateway Crossing in southeast Mesa. Here’s where the center would go, what else is planned and what remains unknown about opening day.
New Walmart at Signal Butte and SR 24 Is Taking Shape—Here’s the Opening Window
Construction is well underway on a planned 171,000-square-foot Walmart Supercenter near Signal Butte Road and SR 24. Here’s the latest opening timeline.
Queen Creek Arizona Temple: Plans, Location and Latest Updates
A field east of Barney Farms is planned for a major temple campus. Here’s the location, the Gilbert comparison and what comes before an opening day.
Queen Creek Temple: What’s Planned and What Land Buyers Should Know
What’s planned for Queen Creek’s temple, which existing neighborhoods are nearby, and what historical research actually says about home and land values.
Nash Powersports Fire in Mesa: Response Details and What Is Known
The September 6 fire at Nash Powersports drew a second-alarm response. Here are the reported safety details, original photos and information for customers.
Legacy Park: What Mesa’s Council Vote Means—and What Comes Next
Mesa advanced a tax-incentive notice for Legacy Park and Gateway Crossing. Here’s what the reported 6–1 vote covered, what remains pending and why September 14 matters.
Legacy Park Mesa: Development Plans, Location and Latest Updates
A nearly 200-acre mixed-use district planned across SR 24 from Cadence would bring upscale retail, apartments, offices, a resort and a lake-centered park to southeast Mesa.
Why Power Ranch’s Grass Looks Patchy, and What Comes Next
Uneven irrigation, gopher damage and seasonal turf stress are contributing to brown and bare areas across Power Ranch. The association has budgeted additional repairs while considering longer-term changes to where grass is maintained.
Eastmark vs. Cadence: Which Mesa Neighborhood Is Right for You?
Eastmark and Cadence share the same southeast Mesa orbit, but they live very differently. Compare their parks, pools, amenities, scale and everyday rhythm.
Ray Road at Ellsworth: October Update on Mesa’s Completion Target
Mesa still lists fall 2026 for the Ray Road connection at Ellsworth. Here is the October 22 status check, remaining city-listed work and dated construction photos.
Sprouts at Ellsworth and Ray Is Open: Hours and EastMarket Plans
Sprouts is open at EastMarket in Mesa. Find current hours, the store address, opening-day photos and the planned neighboring businesses.
Guardian Storage at Crismon and Williams Field: Construction Update
Wondering what’s being built at Crismon and Williams Field near Cadence in Mesa? City records reveal a roughly 110,000-square-foot storage project with two buildings - and underground basement levels explain the massive excavation.