Good morning, Surprise.

The Daily Independent at YourValley.net is partnering with the Arizona Rattlers to donate a portion of ticket sales from the June 14 game at Desert Diamond Arena—where the Rattlers will defend their Indoor Football League Championship title—toward funding local journalism.

Ewing Outdoor Supply opened its second Surprise location—Ewing Surprise Yard—at 13460 W.

Westgate Drive, and the yard is fully operational with quality bulk materials and expert advice for contractors and homeowners. It is now ready to serve local landscaping and hardscaping needs.

School districts in the West Valley are building more campuses as families move in and classrooms grow crowded.

Litchfield Elementary School District will open Troy Gilbert Elementary School in August 2026 and Agua Fria High School District will open two new schools this August and another in August 2026—steps taken to meet the rising student population.

On April 1, the Surprise City Council approved an agreement with Maricopa County to finish improvements to the 35,000-square-foot Community and Resource Center at the Original Town Site.

The center is set to open next spring for $27 million and will include a 1,300-square-foot outdoor playground for young children—designed and funded by the county while the city manages future upkeep.

Surprise Mayor Kevin Sartor proclaimed April as Water Awareness Month and joined the Wyland National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation—urging residents to use water more efficiently.

Residents can use a new Water Footprint Calculator online and must take the pledge by April 30 to win eco-friendly prizes.

As temperatures reach 100º, a dermatologist advises using sunscreen when spending time outdoors (experts say to reapply every two hours) to help protect your skin.

She also recommends staying hydrated and finding shade (steps that reduce the risk of sunburn) during high heat.

Two tennis tournaments will take place at the Surprise Tennis and Racquet Complex (14469 W.

Paradise Lane) in April. The PacWest tournaments will run from April 16 to 19 with 20 teams and over 200 student-athletes, and the GSAC women’s tournament will run from April 22 to 24 at Ottawa University-Arizona (with teams from OUAZ, Arizona Christian, Hope International, College of Idaho and Lewis-Clark State) with free admission.

2nd Annual Cabaret for Youth

Raising funds for before and after school and summer enrichment programs for underprivileged children in Surprise. Music from the Arizona Swing Band, Chef Peter's desserts and drinks all at Happy Trails Performing Arts Center.

Wednesday Night Doubles

6-7:30 p.m. — Tennis and Raquet Complex Parking — $7.50 — Enjoy social doubles tennis with randomly matched opponents for all skill levels.

Foodie Fest West

4-10 p.m. — Mark Coronado Park — Various prices — Indulge in mouthwatering dishes from local vendors and food trucks at this ultimate foodie event.