The Hohokam Indians were the first settlers of this charming desert town near Phoenix Arizona, more than 2,000 years ago. Although they did not stay permanently, their spirit remains in the hearts of the people table. There is a calm atmosphere in this city that emanated from the ancient times, but still has the tenacity to carry out for many generations. Mesa, Arizona, was originally named Hayden in the early 1800's, and then the name changed to Zenos in the early 1800's. Mormon pioneers began settling in this community around that time, and eventually changed the name to the Bureau. Mesa is a beautiful place to visit, or even to live. The weather is sunny and bright throughout the year and the economy is strong and secure.

Mesa, the largest city in the United States is determined to keep his Mormon and western heritage alive and well, and prosperity continues to rise up, and its population is growing. And because of its proximity to Phoenix, the abundance of the arts and entertainment available to Mesans is unlimited, not to mention the cultural heritage of this city alone, with the largest arts complex in Arizona. The Mesa Arts Center hosts local and national theater productions and musical concerts and art exhibitions that are of local renown.

Mesa has three campuses of the university, which is reflected in the percentage of young officers who have a bachelor's degree level or higher. The result of the higher education advantage is reflected in the real estate market. Many of Mesa homes on the market are palatial, to say the least. Although there are always more affordable housing options available to those who have not experienced the highest level of education. In this growing mecca of decadence, you can not say that there are no opportunities to as many of those who seek them, from all walks of life.

In terms of travel opportunities go, Mesa has a variety of services. Your choice of restaurants will overwhelm you with all the options they have to offer, everything from fast food to the best restaurants in the U.S. and ethnic food group in the world. There are numerous parks and sports facilities of high-end golf courses and a variety of special events including Chicago Cubs spring training baseball experience.

For nature lovers, Mesa offers desert jeep tours, hiking trails, horseback riding, climbing in the mountains of superstition, and the famous Lost Dutchman gold mine with many adventures to be had, and four lakes with excellent fishing and boating. Tonto National Forest is here too, which is an adventure in itself.

So next time you're ready for adventure and do not know where to go, think a little in Mesa, Arizona. Here are the advantages of a big city, close to the wonders of nature. There is something for everyone here, from all walks of life. And if you can not get enough of this gem in the desert, then you might consider moving here!

Happy July. In Utah, July is not only a celebration of American Independence, but also a month when we pay tribute to the founders who came before us, when we commemorate the Utah statehood.

When I was a kid, I remembered the important heritage regular who came before me - Mormon pioneers crossed the plains and suffered incredible hardships to get to a place to worship as they wished. As they settled in Utah, who sought the freedom and ability to live their American dreams and built a city and community of the land in a barren desert.

These were my ancestors. Many of them made the trip this pioneer of the United States after he emigrated from England, Sweden and Denmark. They came to America, not only for worship in a new religion, but also to follow their dreams of a better life in a new land.

Throughout my life I thought of what must have been for them to reach a new country. Many do not speak English, some were single mothers with young children, other parents who left their families back home. Every circumstance was a little different, but their difficulties are similar. I've always felt a deep gratitude for their sacrifices. In this age of cell phones, laptops and air-conditioned vehicle, I can not imagine what it must have been for them.

I remembered my pioneer heritage again last night. A few weeks ago I agreed to host a number of college-age students in my house. That would be traveling from southern California to Washington DC, and needed the friendly people across the country to provide food and lodging for one night. 12 students were making a "trip", which they called the "dream of freedom Ride" - heading to our nation's capital to take part in a march of three days in Washington. They join thousands of other young immigrants from around the country to mobilize and lobby U.S. senators to "The Dream Act." This legislation would allow undocumented immigrant children to pursue a college education and get a clear path to U.S. citizenship. They planned to lobby senators in each of the 15 states led by the hope of having their personal stories and share their visions of the American dream.

And so, last night at 8: 30 pm, 10 girls and two young men came to my door. We fed them pizza and put them all in the yard with their sleeping bags, laptops and mobile phones available on each output load. They marveled at the beautiful mountains of southern Utah and the clear sky - many of them had never been out of California.

I've heard their stories. Most them had arrived as toddlers with parents, everything had graduate secondary school American and had graduated or were about graduating an American university. These students came from places like UCLA, UC Santa Cruz, Berkeley, and others. Now they were working either as political activists, voluntary non-profit organizations, or preparing to attend graduate school. All were passionate about "The Dream Act" and its possibilities for future generations of young illegal immigrants.

Some of their parents came here legally, others not. Whatever the current status of their parents did not think much about it .... because, as I listened to their dreams, I could only think about what amazing people that their parents should be: people who came to our country wanting to make life better for their children. Do not waste that opportunity, but instead, helped their children succeed.

I often hear the rhetoric that the "illegals" are using all our resources, taking all our jobs, and never give anything in return. People who believe this is true, it probably never had the opportunity to meet people as they slept in my back yard last night. What your parents have done, your children are talking a lot about what it means to seek the "American dream" and what it really means to seek a better life for their children.

I want my new friends the best in your journey. When they get to Washington, I hope you have the opportunity to meet with Senator Hatch, who was one of the original sponsors of the "Dream Act." I hope that as you travel through Denver, Omaha and Chicago, who have the opportunity, again and again, to tell their stories of what the American dream, and I hope that will change the hearts and minds the road.

I have always believed that the Dream Act was a great way to give young immigrants a chance for citizenship. I never understood the opposition to this legislation, yet many do not understand or simply do not believe the American dream should be available for anyone willing to look. Is not hard work and give the country what they are?

In my opinion, these children are without a doubt what America is all about. For those who say that undocumented workers are not contributing anything to our country, I disagree. What these first-generation immigrants have returned far exceeds anything that may have had, that we have given to their children. .. children who want to give something of value to their country and their communities. For many, the United States of America is the only home we've ever known, and they are passionate about making the American dream is available to all who want it.

I wish you every success in the world. Bon voyage, and sweet dreams.

Emily Bingham Hollingshead is a political consultant and Democratic activist in Utah. He has served as communications director of the Utah House Democrats and has worked on several legislative campaigns win.