Send us a text Everyone wants their neighborhood streets to be safe places to drive, ride, scoot, and walk. And everyone has an opinion about why accidents happen and how they can be avoided. But after seeing the dangers posed by unsafe streets, distracted drivers, and young people who don't understand the rules of the road, one neighbor decided to do more than just offer her opinions on Facebook. Melissa Leon is a wife, mom, business owner, Eastmark neighbor, and now a community leader...
Send us a text This episode is one you won't want to miss as David engages with Jacqueline Cruz, Eastmark Neighbor (of course) and Chief Development Officer at House of Refuge here in Mesa, on topics like helping those faced with homelessness and philanthropy in a community like Eastmark. Jacqueline is an amazing neighbor who has exemplified what it means to open your heart—and hands; and home!—to serve others in need. She's also in the current Eastmark Leadership class and sits on the relati...
Send us a text Who doesn't love a good rueben sandwhich and a slice of pie? Well, Steadfast Diner here in Eastmark offers both...and so much more! In this special "on-the-road" edition of the podcast, David sits down at one of the nine seats inside the cozy little diner to talk to co-owner, Erich Schultz, and Chef Derek Christensen, about the unique part this restaurant, along with the accompanying farm and coffee shop, plays in the larger community of Eastmark and the southeast Valley....
Send us a text Paul Giarrizzo is the way cooler, way funner, and slightly younger brother of David. He's also a longtime Eastmark resident, of course. In this fun episode, David interviews his brother and they reminisce about growing up in Mesa (west Mesa, in fact!), getting their first guitars, and the music that has influenced them throughout the years. Paul is a loving husband and dad, a wizard when it comes to supply chain spreadsheets, and the singer-songwriter for the band Color W...
Send us a text If you haven't already met Calvin Burk, you've probably seen or heard his name. Calvin is an Eastmark Original, an entrepreneur, an Eastmark Leadership alumnus...and going waaaaay back to 1870—long before Eastmark was around and all that was here were tumbleweeds—his family made their home in what's now northeast Mesa. With deep roots in the southeast Valley, Calvin continues to build a legacy here with his own family and his family-owned HVAC business. Listen to this ep...
Send us a text Enjoy this short holiday-themed episode where David does some reflecting on the past few years living here in Eastmark, expresses gratitude, and shares a poem he wrote about the best community in Arizona. Cheers to a very merry Christmas and happy new year, Eastmark! For more info about Eastmark, or questions about finding or selling a house in the area, visit HeyEastmark.com or send me a message at david@davidgiarrizzo.com Disclaimer: The content featured in this Pod...
Send us a text "The essence of Eastmark is helping others." And since moving from Indiana to Eastmark in 2019, Christen Komosinski and her family have seen that first-hand. On this super educational episode, Christen shares her family's experiences not only visiting many of the National Parks across this country, but also her depth of knowledge about Arizona's tax credit programs. Listen in and you're sure to learn something new! Related Links: 4th grade free national parks pass: Every Ki...
Send us a text Originally from Chicagoland, Samantha Thurber has lived in Eastmark since 2016, along with her husband Dave and now their 2 kids. Since planting roots in Eastmark, Samantha (or Sam) has been involved in everything from Eastmark Leadership to just about every volunteer opportunity there has been here in the community. Sam has also been on a health journey in recent years, and she opens up about some of the challenges and wins experienced there. Sam and I are currently th...
Send us a text It might be easier to name what Colleen Biggs doesn't do than list all of the amazing projects, business ventures, and community initiatives that she's involved with!... Long before Colleen was an Assembly board member here in Eastmark, she was already involved with so many of key initiatives in the community—resident groups, Eastmark Leadership, volunteer activities, and events like the Eastmark Veteran's Day event. Warning: If you listen to this episode, you may walk ...
Send us a text In this [longer-than-usual] episode, David welcomes City of Mesa Councilmember Scott Somers back to the All About Eastmark podcast to talk about some of the most relevant issues to Eastmark residents: Economic development in Mesa's District 6Nearby retail, dining, entertainment optionsData centers and tilt-ups around Eastmark...and exciting things coming soon to the area!Tune in for an insightful conversation! To contact Scott directly, send an email to district6@mesaaz.gov, ...
Send us a text Meet Jackie Hunter: a veteran's spouse, amazing mom, community leader, Eastmark Original, and so much more! When Jackie and her family moved to Eastmark over 10 years ago, they really planted roots here and made an intentional effort to know their neighbors. This has paid dividends since then, especially as Jackie's husband did multiple overseas deployments with the U.S. Army. Jackie shares how the Eastmark community became an such an important part of the Hunter's fami...
Send us a text G'day, mates! On this episode, David sits down for an in-depth conversation with longtime friend and Eastmark neighbor, Lauryn VanRooy. Lauryn opens up about moving from Australia to Arizona after being swept off her feet by her now late-husband, Garrett, living life in Eastmark before and after Garrett's sudden passing in 2021, and some of the projects that are currently keeping her busy. For more info about Eastmark, or questions about finding or selling a house i...
Send us a text Josh and Lexi Bera have an incredible story to share, and one that has a little bit of everything—romance, mystery, excitement, comedy, and hope. Both diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at young ages, Josh and Lexi met through a clinical trial for a new MS treatment—and that was just the beginning. Their dramatic story has been one of ups and downs, and it continues to be written right here in our little corner of Mesa, AZ. Listen in as David talks with Eastmark neighbor...
Send us a text Matt Law is an Eastmark Original and the first resident to be selected for the Eastmark Assembly Board of Directors. As of a recent vote we have an Assembly board made up entirely of Eastmark residents!—and Matt and David talk about this milestone in our community's history, including why that's so significant. Also, since Matt has so much knowledge about the community as well as a unique vantage point on the goings-on here, we play a little game of "MythBusters: Eastma...
Send us a text In this episode David gets a history lesson from Eastmark neighbor Kevin McMillen about Eastmark’s favorite neighborhood diner, as well as a science lesson on how Wi-Fi works. (Mind-blown!) More personally, Kevin shares his change journey from corporate big-man to supportive family man and neighbor. Also: If you’re someone who wants to see things change for the better in your community, listen to this episode for some ideas on HOW to make change happen! Links: Arizona Ch...
Send us a text Get to know Eastmark neighbor Michelle Hansen. Michelle does a lot for her neighbors, often behind the scenes—and screen. Not only has she participated in and organized an Eastmark book club (and successfully through COVID), but Michelle has been a huge help in moderating the Eastmark Neighbors Facebook group (residents only). Listen in as David sits down to introduce you to Michelle, and discover a little about what makes her such an integral part of our neighborhood! &n...
Send us a text In this episode I sit down with friend and long-time Eastmark neighbor, Carl Ong, to learn a little more about the man behind the picture on Safeway shopping carts. Carl and I talk about what it was like for him growing up as the son of Chinese immigrants and having an older-than-average dad who worked hard as an entrepreneur to support both his family and community. (Spoiler alert: It's an amazing story!) Carl also explains how an Arizona kid became a life-long ...
Send us a text Not only is Christina Christian a mom of 3 kids (including twins), a civil engineer, a killer karaoke singer, and terrific neighbor, she’s also the president of all 3 Eastmark boards. In this episode David plays the part of investigative journalist “Cooper Anderson” and asks all the hard-hitting questions. Also, how many families with twins actually live in Eastmark? Answer: More than one might expect! Tune in for lot of laughs and some helpful resources too! Resources:...
Send us a text What is a City Clerk? Is it an important job? On this episode I ask my friend, Eastmark Original, and the current City Clerk for the City of Mesa, Holly Moseley, these questions and MORE! Listen in for a fun conversation getting to know a little about Holly and all that she does around here. Links: Office of the Mesa City Clerk - Job description, and stuffMesa Volunteer Advisory Boards & CommitteesMesa Leadership Program DetailsEastmark Residents Login Page For m...
Send us a text Roberto Taylor has been an integral part of Eastmark since about as long as he's lived here. He's one of those people who puts his care for his neighbors and neighborhood into action. Listen as we discuss Roberto's story about why he and his wife chose to live in Eastmark. We also touch on his experience with the Eastmark Leadership program, as well as some first-hand lessons about the pros and cons of using social media to help foster community. Eastmark Neighbor's Facebook...