• Gilbert Local Pulse
  • Posts
  • Gilbert Fire and Rescue Wants Your Input; Top 10 high school football players -vote in poll

Gilbert Fire and Rescue Wants Your Input; Top 10 high school football players -vote in poll

Issue #010

Author

Lloyd Heath
November 08, 2023

😈😈😈😈

In this issue of Gilbert Local Pulse

🌤️ Gilbert, AZ Local Weather

 📅 Gilbert, AZ and Surrounding Area Events

🛣️ This Arizona Interstate Was Named Among the Deadliest Roads in the U.S

👮‍♂️ Ex-police official sues town, chief over firing

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

 👩‍👧‍👦Valley church opens parking lot shelter for homeless women and children

 🎌Wreath-laying ceremony coming to National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona

🏘️How Gilbert's Morrison Ranch was developed as a rural-inspired neighborhood

 🚒Gilbert Fire & Rescue Wants Your Input: Participate in the Survey by November 20

 🎥 Elevate, Gilbert to host capstone event for job trainees

📚 Gilbert business will host Coffee 101 classes

 🧑‍🎓Gilbert schools’ grades improved in 2022-23

🏈Top 10 high school football players; vote in poll

 🏐Valley Vista volleyball runs into wall in Gilbert

Upcoming Events in Gilbert and Surrounding Areas

November 8th

November 9th

November 10th

November 11th (Veterans Day)

November 12th

This Arizona Interstate Was Named Among the Deadliest Roads in the U.S

Interstate 17 in Arizona, connecting Phoenix to Flagstaff, is the fourth most dangerous highway in the U.S., with significant factors contributing to its perilous status including high speed limits, traffic congestion, extreme weather, and poor road conditions. With 483 fatalities from 2015 to 2019, it's over three times deadlier than the national average. Solutions to improve safety on I-17 include stricter law enforcement, public education campaigns, better road engineering, and advanced transportation technology. Read Full Story

Ex-police official sues town, chief over firing

Former Gilbert Police Commander Brian Blunt is suing the police chief, the town, and the HR director after being fired following an investigation that found he made offensive comments and failed in his duties. Blunt claims he was fired without cause, denied due process, and did not receive a pre-termination hearing, violating the Arizona Peace Officers’ Bill of Rights. He suffered mental health issues due to the firing and seeks to return to his job, damages, and attorney fees. The town must respond to the lawsuit, which has been moved to federal court.

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.

Valley church opens parking lot shelter for homeless women and children

In Phoenix, the SafeLots program, spearheaded by Pastor Bob Hake of Pure Heart Church, is providing a unique sanctuary for unsheltered women and children living in their cars. By transforming a church parking lot into a safe sleeping area, complete with a simulated kid's bedroom, the initiative offers respite and services to help these families regain stability. This comes in response to Maricopa County's homelessness crisis, where approximately 9,700 individuals lack a home, and about 30% of the unsheltered population are women with children.

Wreath-laying ceremony coming to National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona

A Veterans Day wreath-laying ceremony will be held at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona on Friday, November 10, at 1:30 p.m. The public is invited to honor the nation’s veterans at the event, located at 23029 N. Cave Creek Road. The ceremony is part of a tradition dating back to 1921 when an unknown WWI American soldier was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. The Phoenix cemetery, spanning 225 acres and transferred to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in 1989, is home to unique memorials, including the Eternal Flame monument and World War II Submarine Torpedo monument, as well as the graves of notable Navajo Code Talkers.

How Gilbert's Morrison Ranch was developed as a rural-inspired neighborhood

Morrison Ranch in Gilbert, Arizona, once a cattle ranch and cotton farm, is now a thriving residential community that honors its agricultural heritage. The 1,527-acre master-planned area features green lawns, tree-lined streets, and unique elements like grain silos and man-made lakes. The Morrison family, early 20th-century settlers, still influences the community's development, with ongoing projects like the recent $107.5 million land sale for The Ranch. Residents enjoy amenities such as spacious home lots, parks, and catch-and-release fishing. Read Full Story

Gilbert Fire & Rescue Wants Your Input: Participate in the Survey by November 20

The Gilbert Fire & Rescue Department wants to hear from you.

Tell us which key initiatives and lines of service you would like to see the department focus on and what you want to see on our social media channels.

Take the survey by November 20th

Elevate, Gilbert to host capstone event for job trainees

Gilbert-based edtech startup Elevate has partnered with the town of Gilbert to offer scholarships for a six-week tech sales training course. The program aims to prepare residents for tech sector jobs, culminating in a capstone event on November 9, where graduates will present to a panel of employers for a chance at full-time positions. The event will offer networking opportunities with business leaders and mentorship from industry professionals. Interested parties can register for the event on Eventbrite and learn more about Gilbert's economic development initiatives at www.GilbertEDI.com. Read Full Story

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.

Gilbert schools’ grades improved in 2022-23

Gilbert Public Schools and Higley Unified School District both showed improvements in the state-issued letter grades for the 2022-23 school year, with more schools achieving "A" grades compared to last year. Higley had 12 "A" schools out of 14, and GPS saw 23 schools with "A" grades. The grades reflect performance on state assessments, student growth, English language proficiency, and readiness measures. The state Board of Education reminds parents that while these grades are significant, they should also consider qualitative measures when choosing a school for their children. Schools can appeal their grades until November 15, with the State Board of Education reviewing appeals on December 4.

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.

Valley Vista volleyball runs into wall in Gilbert

The No. 10 seed Valley Vista volleyball team, boasting a 12-5 record, was defeated 3-0 by the No. 7 seed Gilbert Perry in the first round of the 6A volleyball playoffs. Despite a strong start and a close first set, Valley Vista couldn't maintain their momentum, ultimately falling in the subsequent sets with scores of 25-12 and 25-10. Valley Vista’s coach, David Chavez, expressed the need for consistency after the team's performance fluctuated throughout the match. With the loss, Valley Vista ends their season, while Gilbert Perry advances to play No. 2 seed Xavier Prep in the second round. Valley Vista will be losing several key senior players to graduation but will retain a deep roster for the next season. Perry's coach, Fred Mann, acknowledged his team's need for improvement as they prepare for a challenging matchup against Xavier Prep.