• Gilbert Local Pulse
  • Posts
  • Recycled wastewater to make beer - on it's way! East Valley teens arrested for smuggling

Recycled wastewater to make beer - on it's way! East Valley teens arrested for smuggling

Issue #014

Author

Lloyd Heath
November 14, 2023

😈😈😈😈

In this issue of Gilbert Local Pulse

🌤️ Gilbert, AZ Local Weather

 📅 Gilbert, AZ and Surrounding Area Events

 🍺Recycled wastewater to make beer? This Valley brewery is all in

📦These are this year's holiday shipping deadlines ahead of the festive season

 🤣'Lucky Stiff' brings laughs to Chandler-Gilbert Community College

👮‍♂️East Valley teens arrested for smuggling illegal migrants in Cochise County

👮‍♂️Gilbert Police Seek Public Help to Identify Woman Involved in Assault at Local Goodwill Store

 🍷Former firefighter transitions into running Gilbert's Garage-East winery

🗑️Gilbert's Household Hazardous Waste Facility Offers Post-Holiday Disposal Services for Residents

 🎢GPS faces tough road as bond, override fail

⚽Phoenix Rising wins USL Championship after beating Charleston Battery

 🏈CUSD hosting NIL symposium for student-athletes

 🏐Carol Johnson an unsung hero for Gilbert Classical Academy

Upcoming Events in Gilbert and Surrounding Areas

November 14th

November 15th

November 16th

November 17th

November 18th

November 19th

Recycled wastewater to make beer? This Valley brewery is all in

Desert Monks Brewing Co. in Gilbert is using purified and recycled wastewater to brew some of its beers, participating in an innovative sustainability initiative. The City of Scottsdale has been purifying wastewater for over 20 years, and Desert Monks is taking advantage of this resource amidst Arizona's water crisis. Although there was initial skepticism about the "ick factor," the brewery reports positive feedback, noting the water enhances the beer's flavor and aroma. This move is also seen as a necessary adaptation for breweries facing future water shortages. Arizona is considering wider use of recycled water, with plans for it to potentially come out of faucets by 2027, as the state works on regulations for wastewater treatment plants supplying drinking water.

These are this year's holiday shipping deadlines ahead of the festive season

As the holiday season approaches, including Hanukkah (Dec. 7-15), Christmas (Dec. 25), and Kwanzaa (Dec. 26-Jan. 1), shoppers should be aware of the shipping deadlines set by major carriers. The U.S. Postal Service, UPS, and FedEx have all released their deadline dates to help individuals plan their holiday shopping and shipping efficiently during this busy period.

For items to arrive by Dec. 25 for the lower 48 states (excluding Alaska and Hawaii):

  • USPS Ground Advantage: Dec. 16

  • First-Class Mail (including greeting cards): Dec. 16

  • Priority Mail: Dec. 18

  • Priority Mail Express: Dec. 20

For items to arrive by Dec. 25 for Alaska:

  • USPS Ground Advantage: Dec. 16

  • First-Class Mail: Dec. 16

  • Priority Mail: Dec. 18

  • Priority Mail Express: Dec. 20

For items to arrive by Dec. 25 for Hawaii:

  • USPS Ground Advantage: Dec. 16

  • First-Class Mail: Dec. 16

  • Priority Mail: Dec. 16

  • Priority Mail Express: Dec. 20

For items to arrive by Dec. 25 for Air/Army Post Office (APO), Fleet Post Office (FPO), Diplomatic Post Office (DPO):

  • USPS Ground Advantage: Nov. 6

  • First-Class Mail: Dec. 9

  • Priority Mail: Dec. 9

  • Priority Mail Express Military Service: Dec. 15 (option not available for APO/FPO/DPO AE ZIPs 093)

'Lucky Stiff' brings laughs to Chandler-Gilbert Community College

Chandler-Gilbert Community College is staging the musical comedy "Lucky Stiff" on November 16-17 at 7 p.m. and on November 18 with shows at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. The performances are at the Arnette Scott Ward Performing Arts Center in Chandler. The show features CGCC student Mekhi Williams in the lead role of Harry Witherspoon, and Raina Trujillo plays Dominique. Williams, who is excited about his fourth production at CGCC, praises the talent and hard work of the cast and crew. Trujillo recommends "Lucky Stiff" as a family-friendly show for a good laugh. Tickets are $15 for general admission and $12 for staff, students, seniors, and military. Tickets can be purchased online at the provided link.


East Valley teens arrested for smuggling illegal migrants in Cochise County

Two teenagers, Eli LaClaire, 19, from Mesa, and Landon Vert, 18, from Gilbert, were arrested for attempting to smuggle five illegal immigrants in Cochise County, Arizona. The pair were stopped in a 2009 Honda Ridgeline on Highway 80. Both teens face potential human smuggling charges, and the migrants they were transporting have been handed over to the U.S. Border Patrol. This incident is part of a growing trend where U.S. teenagers are being recruited by cartels via social media for smuggling activities across the border. Formal charges against LaClaire and Vert are pending.

Gilbert Police Seek Public Help to Identify Woman Involved in Assault at Local Goodwill Store

The Gilbert Police Department is seeking the public's help to identify a woman involved in a violent incident at a Goodwill store in Arizona on October 28, 2023. The woman reportedly assaulted a 12-year-old after approaching three children in the store. The attack was captured on camera, showing the suspect leaving in a silver Nissan sedan. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Gilbert Police Department at 480-503-6500, referencing case number 23-162858.

Former firefighter transitions into running Gilbert's Garage-East winery

Brian Ruffentine, a former firefighter who was once named the world's second toughest firefighter, retired as a battalion chief from the Gilbert Fire and Rescue Department after 21 years of service. He and his wife now own Garage-East Winery in Gilbert. Ruffentine, who grew up in Tempe and is an Eagle Scout, was inspired to become a firefighter after an experience fighting a fire at a Boy Scout camp. He joined Gilbert's Fire and Rescue department during its early days, working his way up the ranks. Despite challenges, including living next to a house with frequent criminal activity, he had a fulfilling career in firefighting. Ruffentine credits various mentors for guiding him in his career and life, including Chief Gaines and Dick Rambo. The transition to owning a winery came about through reconnecting with high school friends and was influenced by the growing Arizona wine industry and a project in Agritopia led by Joe Johnston.

Gilbert's Household Hazardous Waste Facility Offers Post-Holiday Disposal Services for Residents

Gilbert residents can dispose of household hazardous waste at the local Household Hazardous Waste Facility post-holidays. Accepted items include used cooking oil (up to 10 gallons per visit), electronics, fluorescent bulbs, household cleaners, propane tanks, and more. Drop-offs start from the Saturday after Thanksgiving, 7:00 AM to 2:30 PM, but are closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Residents need to bring ID and a utility bill for verification and are advised to keep materials in original containers, transported in secured boxes or plastic totes. Facility staff will assist while wearing PPE. For full disposal guidelines and a complete list of accepted items, residents can visit Gilbert's Digital Newsroom website.

GPS faces tough road as bond, override fail

Gilbert Public Schools (GPS) faces financial challenges after voters rejected a $100 million bond and the continuation of a 15% override in a recent election. The bond and override, intended for critical facility needs and to maintain smaller class sizes and competitive teacher salaries, were declined by 53.42% and 53.05% of voters, respectively. GPS Superintendent Dr. Shane McCord expressed disappointment but commitment to academic excellence. Board member Jill Humpherys believes the district needs to educate the community better about its financial situation. GPS will now have to scrutinize all expenses closely, with potential impacts on class sizes and salaries. The rejection could be attributed to economic concerns, misinformation, and a loss of trust in government-run schools. Board members are considering whether to propose the measures again, depending on the economic climate and voter trust.

Phoenix Rising wins USL Championship after beating Charleston Battery

The Phoenix Rising has won its first-ever USL Championship. The team beat the Charleston Battery during a penalty shootout 3-2. The regulation game ended in a 1-1 tie.

CUSD hosting NIL symposium for student-athletes

Chandler Unified School District (CUSD) is proactively addressing Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) issues in college sports by hosting symposiums for student-athletes and their parents. The symposiums, led by Dr. Scott Grant, focus on educating attendees about the legalities of NIL, college recruiting, personal branding, and social media strategy. With NIL now a major factor in college sports, CUSD aims to prepare students for discussions about NIL during college visits and ensure they understand what is permissible. Although Arizona high school athletes can't profit from NIL related to school sports, they can build social media followings and partnerships like Gilbert High School alumni Haley and Hanna Cavinder did. The symposiums will help clarify misconceptions about NIL and prepare students for the changing landscape of college sports recruiting and branding. Two symposiums are scheduled at Perry High School and Hamilton High School.

Carol Johnson an unsung hero for Gilbert Classical Academy

Carol Johnson, a dedicated and passionate third-year assistant varsity volleyball coach at Gilbert Classical Academy, is being recognized for her invaluable contributions to the program. Known for her empathy and understanding of student-athletes' challenges, she not only focuses on developing players' skills but also ensures their well-being. Johnson’s commitment extends beyond regular coaching duties; she meticulously reviews game films for strategy, runs extra strength and conditioning drills, and supports the team in any way necessary. Her previous coaching experience includes Chandler Prep and Arizona College Prep. Praised for her supportive and positive approach, Johnson is described as the glue that holds the varsity team together. She also has a personal history in sports, having played and coached volleyball at Phoenix College. Johnson is a mother to two academically gifted sons, emphasizing the importance of enjoying one's chosen career path. Her dedication and impact on the volleyball program at GCA highlight her as a significant yet often under-recognized figure in the sports community.