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Former Valley elementary school teacher found guilty of abusing 7 girls

Issue #008

Author

Lloyd Heath
November 06, 2023

😈😈😈😈

In this issue of Gilbert Local Pulse

🌤️ Gilbert, AZ Local Weather

 📅 Gilbert, AZ and Surrounding Area Events

👮‍♂️ Gilbert woman fatally shot in townhome, suspect in custody

 🏬 Gilbert brothers opening toy store here

 🆘Phoenix's largest homeless encampment, 'The Zone,' is now gone

⚕️Patients, Advocates Describe ‘Pure Chaos’ In State Response To AHCCCS Fraud

 🎅 Get ready now for breakfast with Santa

👮‍♂️Former Valley elementary school teacher found guilty of abusing 7 girls

 🍤Newly opened!! BUCK & RIDER — A Seafood Heaven serving Gilbert and the East Valley

 🍔Chicken restaurant Birdcall expands with new Gilbert location

 🌮Experience the Taste of Mexico: Top 8 Restaurants in Gilbert

 🏫EVIT launches first associate degree program in surgical technology

 🏫School restroom accommodations plan fails

 🏈ALA - Gilbert North’s slow first half leads to Horizon dominating the Eagles 51-27

 🏈Mountain View captures first-ever 6A flag football championship

Upcoming Events in Gilbert and Surrounding Areas

November 6th

November 8th

November 9th

November 10th

November 11th

November 12th

Gilbert woman fatally shot in townhome, suspect in custody

Gilbert police found a woman shot dead early Wednesday at Breckinridge Townhomes. The suspect, believed to have known the victim, fled but was arrested in Mesa by 7 a.m. The cause of the altercation remains unclear.

Phoenix's largest homeless encampment, 'The Zone,' is now gone

"The Zone," Phoenix's largest homeless encampment, was cleared by officials, displacing residents like Jill Vinterella. A judge had declared it a public nuisance, and the area is now empty. Out of 135 people, 125 accepted shelter while 10 declined. The cleanup was an emotional experience for both residents and service providers. A new structured campground has opened nearby, but some residents like Vinterella are dissatisfied with the support offered. The city must now keep the area clear and report back to court by the end of the month.

Patients, Advocates Describe ‘Pure Chaos’ In State Response To AHCCCS Fraud

Arizona launched a crackdown on behavioral health providers suspected of defrauding Medicaid, leading to suspensions of payments to over 100 providers and impacting vulnerable Indigenous populations. Despite promises of comprehensive plans to address the crisis, the state has reportedly struggled with the execution, leaving patients at risk. Five months later, the situation remains chaotic, with issues like last-minute tribal notifications, an overwhelmed crisis response line, and gaps in housing and treatment options. Advocates and remaining providers are strained trying to meet the service needs of the displaced individuals. Governor Katie Hobbs has stated a commitment to refining the approach, but on-the-ground reports suggest that significant problems persist, with a rise in service needs and skepticism about the state's efforts to manage the situation effectively.

Get ready now for breakfast with Santa

HD SOUTH is hosting its "Breakfast with Santa" on Dec. 2 from 8:30-11 a.m. Early bird tickets are $15 until Nov. 15, then $20. Children under 2 attend for free. Advance purchase is required, with no door sales. Event includes breakfast, a Santa meet-and-greet, and holiday activities.

Former Valley elementary school teacher found guilty of abusing 7 girls

Former Phoenix teacher, Manuel Gavina, age 53, has been convicted by a Maricopa County jury of sexually abusing seven underage girls. The abuses occurred while he was a math teacher at Capitol Elementary School and were reported starting in 2019 after a 12-year-old student came forward. Phoenix police, upon investigation, found that Gavina had inappropriately touched students potentially "hundreds of times." County Attorney Rachel Mitchell condemned Gavina's actions, highlighting the betrayal of trust inherent in his role as an educator. Gavina now awaits sentencing, facing 17 to 70 years in prison, with the final decision scheduled for November 30.

Newly opened!! BUCK & RIDER — A Seafood Heaven serving Gilbert and the East Valley

  • Name: Buck & Rider — Gilbert / East Valley

  • Address: 3150 E Ray Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85296

  • Phone: (480) 536-9494

  • Desc: Seafood, Cocktail Bars, Breakfast & Brunch

  • Opening: About 9 weeks ago

Buck & Rider, a restaurant in Gilbert/East Valley, is gaining attention for its high-quality, freshly sourced seafood, including oysters and scallops, and its banana crème pie dessert. The service, especially from servers like Nathan, has been noted for being particularly attentive. The establishment boasts an 'industrial chic' décor with a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere, featuring a spacious patio and a bar that caters both indoors and outdoors.

Chicken restaurant Birdcall expands with new Gilbert location

2220 South Santan Village Parkway, Gilbert, AZ 85295.

Birdcall, a Denver-based chicken restaurant, is expanding its presence in Arizona with the launch of its third location in Gilbert, situated on Santan Village Parkway. The grand opening is set for Wednesday. The eatery offers a variety of chicken-centric menu items including sandwiches, salads, tenders, fries, and cole slaw, as well as breakfast options and a kids' menu.

The new 2,815-square-foot venue features desert-inspired exterior design and can accommodate 152 guests inside, with a spacious patio that fits 99 people and includes amenities like a putting green. Birdcall is known for integrating fun elements such as an arcade machine and offers a selection of local beers and hand-crafted margaritas at the bar.

Celebratory promotions include giving away a 'Golden Ticket' for free meals for a year to the first 25 educators, community helpers, and first responders visiting on opening day, and $1 sandwiches on National Fried Chicken Sandwich Day. The company is also committed to community engagement by donating to local nonprofits through monthly sandwich sales. Birdcall's Gilbert location will operate from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Experience the Taste of Mexico: Top 8 Restaurants in Gilbert

EVIT launches first associate degree program in surgical technology

The East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) is launching its first associate degree program in Surgical Technology, starting January 3. The program prepares surgical techs to assist in surgeries and requires a $19,120 tuition fee, excluding additional costs. Funding options are available. Graduates can take the Certified Surgical Technologist exam. Enrollment opens November 1, with more info at www.evit.com/enrollnow. EVIT plans to introduce more associate degree programs soon.

School restroom accommodations plan fails

A tie vote at the Scottsdale Unified School District board meeting resulted in the failure of a proposed policy to provide special restroom accommodations upon request, with board president Julie Cieniawski absent. Vice President Carine Werner's proposal aimed to give students the option to request a special restroom arrangement with written permission from parents. Critics argued the proposal was costly and unnecessary, as only a fraction of students had requested accommodations and current policies suffice. The board did, however, unanimously approve the purchase of pickup trucks and renew a program supporting students with disabilities in finding employment.

ALA - Gilbert North’s slow first half leads to Horizon dominating the Eagles 51-27

The Horizon Huskies delivered a strong performance against the American Leadership Academy - Gilbert North Eagles, securing a 51-27 victory in Scottsdale, Arizona, on Friday night. Despite an early lead by the Eagles, the Huskies took control of the game, leading by 28 points at halftime and showcasing a formidable defense throughout the game.

The Huskies’ junior quarterback Jase Ashley played a key role with his dual-threat capability, contributing two rushing touchdowns, two passing touchdowns, and 82 rushing yards. Carson Kolb stood out for the Huskies both offensively and defensively, scoring a touchdown catch and returning a fumble for another score.

Eagles coach Randy Ricedorff expressed disappointment with the first half and recognized the need for improvement in the offensive line. Eagles’ junior quarterback Conner White and his offense managed to score 20 points in the second half, showing resilience despite the early setbacks and pressure from the Huskies' defense.

For the Eagles, Brandon Phelps had an outstanding game, adding to his career records with nine receptions for 132 yards and a touchdown. Both teams are now preparing for the playoffs, with Horizon set to face Canyon View and the Eagles gearing up to play Marana. Coaches from both teams are looking to build on their strengths and address their weaknesses as they head into the postseason.

Mountain View captures first-ever 6A flag football championship

Mountain View High School's flag football team, coached by Jesus Arzaga, triumphed with a 10-7 victory over Mountain Ridge in Arizona's first-ever 6A flag football state championship. Coach Arzaga's tradition of post-win selfies with the players symbolized their unity and determination, which were evident in their challenging path to the title. Despite a struggling offense in the final, their formidable defense, including three interceptions, ensured the win. Freshman quarterback Tierah Metcalf and the Christensen sisters played pivotal roles in both offense and defense, contributing to the team's success. The Toros, ranked ninth, had a remarkable journey, defeating higher-ranked teams to clinch the championship, much to the joy of their supportive community and school, fulfilling Arzaga's vision of restoring Mountain View's reputation as the 'Campus of Champions.'