Mesa Daily Briefing: Search Effort, New Baseball Museum, Local Business Spotlight

Mesa, AZ — February 17, 2026

Police searching for vulnerable missing man

Mesa police continue to search for 67-year-old Marcos Castillo-Luna, who was reported missing after walking away from the area of Mesa Drive and McKellips Road late Sunday morning. He is described as non-verbal and dependent on regular medication for a medical condition, prompting a statewide SAFE Alert.

Officers and family members are asking anyone in north-central Mesa to check yards, parking lots, and business areas where someone on foot might seek shade or rest. Authorities emphasize that Castillo-Luna may not be able to ask for help and say time is critical because of his medical needs.

Anyone who believes they may have seen him is urged to contact Mesa police immediately and avoid delays so officers can quickly verify sightings.

Arizona Baseball Museum prepares to open in Mesa

Mesa is set to officially become home to Arizona’s only dedicated baseball museum later this week. The historic Lehi Auditorium at the Mesa Historical Museum campus has been converted into the new Arizona Baseball Museum, just ahead of the 2026 Cactus League spring training season.

The grand opening event, scheduled for Saturday, February 21, will feature local vendors, live music, guest speakers, food trucks, and free admission to both the history museum and the new baseball space. Organizers say they want the museum to highlight the deep ties between Mesa, spring training, and Arizona’s wider baseball story.

The Lehi campus, housed in the former Lehi School, already serves as a hub for local history. The new museum aims to give visitors a starting point for exploring baseball’s impact across the East Valley and the state.

Local auto shop draws attention for service standards

A Mesa auto repair shop is earning wider recognition for its customer-focused approach. Desert Auto Works, located on East Southern Avenue, has been highlighted in a recent industry release for pairing detailed diagnostics with an emphasis on honest recommendations.

The shop’s current operator has continued standards set by a previous owner, focusing on explaining repairs clearly and avoiding unnecessary work. Supporters say that approach has helped build long-term relationships with Mesa drivers who rely on the shop for both routine maintenance and major repairs.

With many residents commuting across the Valley, reliable transportation remains a priority. Local advocates note that consistent, trustworthy auto service plays a quiet but important role in keeping families on the road to work, school, and medical appointments.

Weather and outdoor notes

While a recent wind advisory covered parts of western Arizona, the East Valley is seeing more moderate conditions as the week begins. Trail users around Usery Mountain and other nearby desert parks are still being reminded to watch for lingering gusts, blowing dust, and any late schedule changes to outdoor programs following the weekend’s cancellations.

Sources

• https://www.kold.com/2026/02/16/police-search-missing-man-with-medical-condition-mesa/
• https://www.azdps.gov/S/1927
• https://www.mesahistoricalmuseum.com/events
• https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/articles/mesa-gives-baseball-fitting-tribute-045900587.html
• https://www.openpr.com/news/4392479/desert-auto-works-raises-the-bar-for-auto-repair-shop-standards
• https://kesq.com/weather/alerts-weather/2026/02/15/wind-advisory-issued-february-15-at-127pm-mst-until-february-17-at-200am-mst-by-nws-phoenix-az-2/