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Lovin' Life Expo; Historic downtown garage due for facelift; AZ Water Lantern Festival

Issue #011

Author

Lloyd Heath
November 09, 2023

😈😈😈😈

In this issue of Gilbert Local Pulse

đŸŒ€ïž Gilbert, AZ Local Weather

 đŸ“… Gilbert, AZ and Surrounding Area Events

 đŸ« Gilbert Public Schools bond, override measures appear doomed

 đŸ§Ș CDC raises alarm over syphilis in newborns. Here's why it's an ongoing crisis in Arizona

 đŸŽžLive Life: A Songwriter’s Music Festival arrives in Gilbert

 đŸ˜A New Era: Lovin’ Life Expo offers a wealth of info

 đŸ“° Historic downtown garage due for facelift

📚 Gilbert business will host Coffee 101 classes

 đŸ«¶ Tempe, AZ Water Lantern Festival

đŸ‘źâ€â™‚ïž2 California women accused of stealing from 12 retail stores across metro Phoenix

đŸ‘źâ€â™‚ïžMulti-agency operation targeting retail crime theft in Phoenix area leads to 64 arrests

 đŸˆTop 10 high school football players; vote in poll

Upcoming Events in Gilbert and Surrounding Areas

November 9th

November 10th

November 11th (Veterans Day)

November 12th

Gilbert Public Schools bond, override measures appear doomed

Gilbert Public Schools’ $100-million bond and 15% budget override were facing rejection in early unofficial election results, with over 53% of voters opposing both measures. GPS, serving 33,000 students, has a critical need for facility maintenance and competitive salaries, with $53 million required in the next two years for infrastructure updates. If the override fails, GPS will need to cut approximately $35.8 million from its budget over three years starting in 2025-26, potentially resulting in pay reductions and increased class sizes. The measures are funded through secondary property taxes, with no rate increase planned; however, property value hikes could lead to higher tax bills. Other East Valley school districts also faced potential bond and override defeats, except for Kyrene School District, while the result for Mesa Public Schools’ $500 million bond was too close to call.

CDC raises alarm over syphilis in newborns. Here's why it's an ongoing crisis in Arizona

The U.S. is facing a "rapidly accelerating epidemic" of syphilis in newborns, with a more than tenfold increase in cases between 2012 and 2022. In Arizona, the situation is particularly severe, with the number of babies born with syphilis rising from 17 in 2016 to 219 in 2022. Last year, 32 Arizona babies died from the infection. The CDC is urging increased awareness and testing, especially during pregnancy, to combat this preventable condition. Maricopa County in Arizona, which is the state's most populous, accounts for about half of these cases, with infants of color disproportionately affected. The rise in congenital syphilis cases is associated with increased rates among women of reproductive age and is exacerbated by social and economic barriers to prenatal care. Read Full Story

Live Life: A Songwriter’s Music Festival arrives in Gilbert

"Live Life: A Songwriter’s Music Festival" will take place in Gilbert, Arizona on Veterans Day, November 11, featuring renowned country music songwriters and headliner David Lee Murphy. Attendees will enjoy live performances of popular country hits, behind-the-scenes storytelling, and festival attractions like food trucks and games. Part of the proceeds will go to the HeartStrings Foundation, aiding veterans and their families. Tickets range from $65 for General Admission to $145 for VIP, with a special discount for military personnel. The event is at 15225 East Riggs Road, Gilbert, AZ, and more information is available at livelifemusicfestival.com.

A New Era: Lovin’ Life Expo offers a wealth of info

The Lovin’ Life After 50 Expo is coming to the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Gilbert on Nov. 16 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The expo is a free event targeting those over 50, with a variety of exhibitors discussing topics like health care, retirement, and travel. Attendees can enjoy networking opportunities, entertainment, raffle prizes, and cash giveaways. The event is hosted by Ms. Senior Arizona pageant administrator Marice Kunz, with entertainment by Garth Brooks tribute artist Drew Baloh.

Historic downtown garage due for facelift

Gilbert's historic Clement's garage, the town’s oldest business, is set to be transformed into a modern retail and restaurant space while preserving the original 1920 structure. The redevelopment plan, which includes a large outdoor patio reminiscent of the 1930s-era fueling station canopies, is currently undergoing approval. The project has received positive feedback for its adaptive reuse, although there are some concerns regarding the proposed landscaping. The plan is expected to return to the Redevelopment Commission for formal action by early next year, with advertising for tenants already underway by OX Urban Properties.

Gilbert business will host Coffee 101 classes

PRESS Coffee is bringing Coffee 101 classes back in early 2024.

During the one-hour experience, attendees will learn about the rich history of coffee roasting and can sample various types of distinct and flavors from around the world. The classes will begin Saturday, Jan. 13 and take place at PRESS Coffee’s Gilbert location at 355 E. Germann Road.

Coffee 101 will be available on the following dates and times:

  • January dates: 9:30 & 11:30 a.m. Jan. 27

  • February dates: 9:30 & 11:30 a.m. Feb. 24

  • March dates: 9:30 & 11:30 a.m. March 30

Admission is $25 per person. Tickets available at https://presscoffee.com/pages/coffee-101.

Space is limited to 10 attendees per class.

Tempe, AZ Water Lantern Festival

The Tempe Water Lantern Festival, awarded as the #1 Best Cultural Festival, will take place on November 11, 2023. The festival features a night of connection with food, games, vendors, and music, culminating in the release of water lanterns carrying messages of love, hope, and dreams. A promo code "LETSGO" offers a $5 discount on tickets, which are available at www.WaterLanternFestival.com.

2 California women accused of stealing from 12 retail stores across metro Phoenix

Two women from California, Ishanae Morgan Turner (30) and Devony Candy Reneau (29), face multiple charges of organized retail theft in the Phoenix metro area. They are accused of executing planned thefts from various stores including Ulta, Walgreens, and Walmart on four different occasions. After a failed attempt to evade police on October 24, they were arrested. The women are also linked to similar crimes in California and Nevada. Turner is charged with 12 counts of organized retail theft and one count of fleeing from law enforcement, while Reneau faces 10 counts of organized retail theft. The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is determined to prosecute and deliver a strong message against organized retail crime.

Multi-agency operation targeting retail crime theft in Phoenix area leads to 64 arrests

A coordinated effort by multiple law enforcement agencies from September 12-15 aimed at combatting retail crime in the Phoenix area resulted in 64 arrests, the seizure of five guns, and the clearance of 248 warrants. The operation, led by the Phoenix Police Department's Property Crimes Bureau, targeted high crime zones and repeat offenders, with one individual linked to six cases and over $37,000 in stolen jewelry. The initiative responds to nationwide concerns about the impact of retail theft, which contributes to increased consumer costs. Prosecutions will be managed by the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office and the Phoenix City Prosecutor’s Office, with support from Gilbert, Chandler, Scottsdale, and Surprise police departments.

Top 10 high school football players; vote in poll

Top 10 Players of Week 12

1. David Simmons, Blue Ridge, WR, Sr.

In a 20-17 first-round 3A playoff win at Tucson Pusch Ridge, he had 13 catches for 225 yards and a touchdown and intercepted a pass.

2. Jordan Blake, Skyline, RB, Sr.

In a 42-38 loss to Sunnyslope, he ran 42 times for 302 yards and three TDs.

3. Luke Moga, Sunnyslope, QB, Sr.

He threw for three TDs and ran for three scores, and led the Vikings on the game-winning drive in the final two minutes to beat Skyline 42-38.

4. Navi Bruzon, Peoria Liberty, QB, Sr.

He completed 17 of 24 passes for 371 yards and three TDs and ran 18 times for 139 yards in a 36-17 win over previously unbeaten Centennial.

5. Keaton Stam, Liberty, LB, Sr.

He had nine tackles and returned an interception 36 yards for a touchdown with 28 seconds left in the first half to give his team a 17-3 lead over Centennial.

6. Miles Pringle, Valley Vista, QB, Jr.

In a 42-27 win over rival Shadow Ridge, he was 21 of 29 for 375 yards and three TDs and ran four times for 28 yards and a score. He also caught a TD pass.

7. Donivan Dixon, Cactus Shadows, QB, So.

In a 56-14 win over Agua Fria, he completed 17 of 25 for 335 yards and six TDs and ran two times for 37 yards and a score.

8. Jantzen Ginger, Youngker, RB, Sr.

He had five TDs, four rushing and gained 300 yards on the ground on 32 carries.

9. Adam Mohammed, Apollo, RB, Sr.

He ran 13 times for 218 yards and four TDs in a 52-9 win over Ironwood.

10. Gage Baker, Paradise Honors, QB, Sr.

In a 64-23 3A playoff win over Gilbert Christian, he completed 22 of 25 for 571 yards and nine TDs.