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  • 📅 Week of Wonder: The Pulse of Gilbert's Local Scene (Dec 1-7, 2023) 🦷 Arizona State Fairgrounds to Host Major Free Dental Care Event 🎁 Giving Machines return to Gilbert and more...

📅 Week of Wonder: The Pulse of Gilbert's Local Scene (Dec 1-7, 2023) 🦷 Arizona State Fairgrounds to Host Major Free Dental Care Event 🎁 Giving Machines return to Gilbert and more...

Gilbert Local Pulse | Issue #027

Author

Lloyd Heath
November 30, 2023

😈😈😈😈

In this issue of Gilbert Local Pulse

🌤️ Gilbert, AZ Local Weather

 📅 Gilbert, AZ and Surrounding Area Events

 📅 Week of Wonder: The Pulse of Gilbert's Local Scene (Dec 1-7, 2023)

 🦷 Arizona State Fairgrounds to Host Major Free Dental Care Event in December

 👨‍🌾 How Maricopa startup Biodel AG aims to revolutionize the agriculture industry

👪 Two Valley cities among top destinations for new Gen X residents, report says

 🚧 Heritage Trail near Elliot to Partially Close for Railroad Construction

 👩‍🏫 Gilbert Town Council requests mayor get more training

 👮 Man arrested in Mesa, accused of stealing $2 million worth of Home Depot merchandise

 🚓 Teen fatally shot in San Tan Valley neighborhood; 17-year-old suspect arrested

 👮 Hospital security guard in Phoenix accused of sexual misconduct with dead body

🍸 Actor Joe Mantegna Boosts Gilbert's Señor Rio Tequila Brand

 🎁 Giving Machines return to Gilbert

 🎷 Desert Ridge High School Marching Band wins first state championship

November 30th

December 2nd

December 8 - 19

Week of Wonder: The Pulse of Gilbert's Local Scene (Dec 1-7, 2023)

  1. Gilbert Police Department Blue Line of Love Holiday Drive

    • Gilbert Police Department 75 E Civic Center Dr, Gilbert, AZ

    • Date: Nov 20, 12:00 AM – Dec 18, 11:59 PM MST

    • Click here to learn more.

  2. Hale Theatre Presents A Christmas Carol

    • Hale Centre Theatre - Arizona 50 W Page Ave, Gilbert, AZ

    • Date: Nov 30, 5 PM – Dec 23, 8 PM MST

    • Click here to learn more.

  3. Performance: A Christmas Carol - A Play with Music

    • Hale Centre Theatre - Arizona

    • Date: Sat, Dec 2, 2 PM MST

    • Click here to learn more.

  4. Tour O.H.S.O Brewery in Downtown Gilbert

    • O.H.S.O. Brewery- Gilbert 335 N Gilbert Rd #102, Gilbert, AZ

    • Date: Sat, Dec 2, 11 AM – 12 PM MST

    • Click here to learn more.

  5. Gilbert Cars & Coffee

    • Sweetz Cold Brew Coffee Co. 835 N Gilbert Rd #101, Gilbert, AZ

    • Date: Sat, Dec 2, 8 – 11 AM MST

    • Click here to learn more.

  6. Lead Local Arizona

    • Mission Community Church 4450 E Elliot Rd, Gilbert, AZ

    • Date: Sat, Dec 2, 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM MST

    • Click here to learn more.

  7. The Global Bikes Gilbert Sunday Funday Ride!

    • Global Bikes & E-Bikes 835 N Gilbert Rd #111, Gilbert, AZ

    • Date: Sun, Dec 3, 7 – 9 AM MST

    • Click here to learn more.

  8. Water Baptism | Living Word Gilbert

    • Living Word Gilbert 202 S Gilbert Rd, Gilbert, AZ

    • Date: Sun, Dec 3, 12:00 – 12:30 PM MST

    • Click here to learn more.

Arizona State Fairgrounds to Host Major Free Dental Care Event in December

In a remarkable act of community service, the Arizona Dental Cares Foundation is set to host its 11th annual Dental Mission of Mercy event, providing free dental care to those in need. This event, taking place at the Arizona State Fairgrounds Veteran's Memorial Coliseum on December 8 and 9, will see over 1,000 volunteer dentists and dental assistants offering their expertise.

The organizers anticipate around 1,800 patients to benefit from a range of dental services, including fillings, extractions, X-rays, denture work, and dental screenings. These services will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, operating from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.

To manage the expected turnout, gates will open at 5 a.m. for individuals seeking dental care to line up. However, overnight camping at the venue is not permitted. This event represents a significant effort by the dental community to address dental health needs and provide assistance to those who might not otherwise have access to such care.

How Maricopa startup Biodel AG aims to revolutionize the agriculture industry

Biodel AG, a Maricopa-based regenerative agriculture startup, is set for significant growth following a successful funding round and participation in a global pitch competition. The company's main product, Sequester, is a non-toxic soil amendment aimed at improving soil health and capturing carbon dioxide, targeting over 30 million acres of degraded soils in nine Western states and northern Mexico. With anticipated sales exceeding $5 million in 2024, Biodel AG is tapping into the burgeoning regenerative agriculture market, estimated to reach over $32 billion by 2032. The company recently secured a series A investment, contributing to a total of $5 million in venture capital, backed by organizations like Pangaea Ventures and Arizona Venture Development Corp

Two Valley cities among top destinations for new Gen X residents, report says

A recent analysis of U.S. Census data by SmartAsset has highlighted the appeal of certain Arizona cities to Generation X, with Surprise and Scottsdale emerging as particularly popular destinations. According to the report, Surprise saw the highest influx of Gen Xers among new residents in 2022, adding 4,414 individuals from this demographic, who now constitute nearly 12% of the city's population of 152,910. This influx underscores the significant growth of Surprise and neighboring West Valley cities in recent years.

Scottsdale, ranked third, also witnessed a notable increase in Gen X residents, with 6,215 new arrivals in 2022, representing approximately 13.7% of its total population of 240,432. Other cities like Bend, Oregon, Orlando, and Fort Lauderdale filled the remaining top spots for Gen X movers.

In contrast, for millennials (ages 25-44), only Tempe stood out in the Valley, ranking 17th nationally. It welcomed 17,444 new millennials in 2022, making up 9.47% of its newcomers and nearly 36% of its overall population.

The report defines Gen Xers as those aged 45-54, noting their potential significant impact on local economies due to their advanced careers and matured investments. Tucson and Peoria were the other Arizona cities to make the top 100 for Gen X movers, ranking 24th and 47th, respectively.

The broader trend of population movement saw Arizona experiencing the fourth-highest in-migration gain in the U.S. Between 2021 and 2022, the state welcomed an estimated 282,729 new residents from other states, while losing 204,734, resulting in a net in-migration gain of 77,995.

Heritage Trail near Elliot to Partially Close for Railroad Construction

The Heritage Trail near Elliot in Gilbert, Arizona, is slated for partial closure due to railroad construction by Union Pacific Railroad. This construction involves replacing an existing timber deck bridge with a new steel structure. The first phase of this project is scheduled for early December, specifically starting on December 2 at 9:00 PM and ending on December 3 at 3:00 PM. During this time, the trail and levee road just south of Elliot and Lindsay Roads will be closed. The construction activities will occur mainly during evening and early morning hours to reduce the impact on railroad operations. Residents in the vicinity can expect to experience noise disturbances from the construction equipment and additional lighting for the crews. The Town of Gilbert will release more details about the second phase of the Union Pacific Railroad construction as soon as they become available​

Gilbert Town Council requests mayor get more training

The Gilbert Town Council is dissatisfied with the investigation into Mayor Brigette Peterson's ethics, specifically her ejection of residents from a council meeting. While the investigation found no violation, the council criticized the process and did not accept its conclusions. Vice Mayor Kathy Tilque suggested additional training for the mayor, and further penalties are possible if this training is not completed. The council and residents expressed concerns about the investigation's thoroughness and the mayor's meeting management.

Man arrested in Mesa, accused of stealing $2 million worth of Home Depot merchandise

Juan Ambriz-Rincon, a 39-year-old man, has been charged with multiple felonies following his arrest by Mesa police for allegedly orchestrating an extensive theft operation. Over more than a year, Ambriz-Rincon is accused of stealing approximately $2 million worth of merchandise from various Home Depot stores across several Valley cities, as well as in Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma.

Home Depot's loss in Arizona alone due to these thefts is reported to be at least $46,000, with additional losses documented in other states amounting to over $900,000. Using video surveillance and transaction receipts, Home Depot investigators linked Ambriz-Rincon to 14 separate theft incidents at their stores from October 2022 to October 2023, in locations including Mesa, Phoenix, Chandler, Tempe, and Avondale.

The alleged modus operandi involved Ambriz-Rincon using self-checkout stations to pay for only some items while leaving the store without paying for higher-priced goods. He is suspected of either returning the stolen items for cash or selling them through social media. Additionally, he is accused of using fake receipts to deceive store employees into believing that the items had been paid for.

Ambriz-Rincon faces serious charges, including fraudulent schemes, trafficking in stolen property, multiple counts of theft and organized retail theft, and possession of dangerous drugs, with some charges classified as high-level felonies.

Teen fatally shot in San Tan Valley neighborhood; 17-year-old suspect arrested

A 17-year-old is facing charges following a fatal shooting in San Tan Valley. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday evening, resulted in the death of Jamiere Jenkins, also 17. The Pinal County Sheriff's Office reported that an argument between the two teenagers escalated, leading to Jenkins being shot in the neck. A combination of witness accounts and video footage led to the suspect's apprehension at a nearby residence. The investigation is ongoing as authorities determine the roles of others present in the suspect's vehicle.

Hospital security guard in Phoenix accused of sexual misconduct with dead body

Randall Bird, a 46-year-old security guard at Banner University Medical Center in Phoenix, has been arrested for alleged sexual misconduct with a deceased body. The incident occurred in the hospital's morgue, where Bird was found under suspicious circumstances by fellow security guards. The victim, a 79-year-old woman, had signs of foul play, including broken ribs. Evidence at the scene linked Bird to the crime, resulting in his arrest.

Actor Joe Mantegna Boosts Gilbert's Señor Rio Tequila Brand

Debbie Medina Gach's entrepreneurial journey with Señor Rio tequila, a brand steeped in family heritage, began over 15 years ago following an emotional reunion with her long-estranged father, Señor Rio. He introduced her to a three-generation-old family tequila recipe. Since its launch in May 2009, the Gilbert-based brand has faced numerous challenges, including the deaths of Gach's father in 2014 and her husband in 2018.

However, 2023 marked a significant turning point for Señor Rio with actor Joe Mantegna becoming a co-owner through an investment partnership. While the financial details remain undisclosed, Gach anticipates that Mantegna's involvement will boost the brand's visibility and sales. Mantegna, known for his roles in "Criminal Minds," "The Godfather III," and "The Simpsons," has actively engaged in marketing efforts, including bottle signings at Total Wine and More locations in Arizona.

Both Gach and Mantegna share Chicago origins and a personal connection through their family members with special needs, aligning with Señor Rio's ethos as the "tequila with a cause." The brand, which sealed a national distribution deal with Total Wine in 2014, donates $1 from each bottle sold to the We Care Crusade, aiding children with special needs and their families.

Mantegna's acting career, spanning over 40 years, began with an epiphany during a high school play audition and led to his Tony Award-winning performance in "Glengarry Glen Ross." He continues to contribute to the arts and community, co-hosting a Memorial Day concert with Gary Sinise.

Señor Rio's journey reflects a blend of family legacy, resilience in the face of personal loss, and a commitment to giving back, now reinforced by Mantegna's involvement and shared values.

Giving Machines return to Gilbert

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' Light of the World Giving Machines are available until December 31 at Water Tower Plaza, Gilbert, and other Arizona locations. These machines allow donations to benefit eight selected charities. Last year, the Gilbert machines raised over $1 million, contributing to a global total of $22 million since 2017. This innovative approach to charity supports a range of causes, from local family services to global water and sanitation projects. Read Full Story

Desert Ridge High School Marching Band wins first state championship

Desert Ridge High School in Mesa has triumphed at the Arizona Band and Orchestra Directors Association, securing the Division II Marching Band State Championship. Their winning performance took place on November 18 at the ABODA State Marching Championships, hosted by Glendale Community College.

Achieving a score of 79.938, Desert Ridge High's Marching Band outperformed in music, visual performance, general effect, and auxiliary categories. This victory marks the first time in the school's history that they have won the Division II Marching Band State Championship. Additionally, they were named Division 3A champions by the Arizona Marching Band Association.

Band director Stephanie Campbell praised the students' hard work and dedication, which led to this significant achievement. Throughout the 2023 season, the Desert Ridge High Marching Band maintained an undefeated streak, consistently ranking first place in various competitions, including the Stampede of Sound Marching Invitational and the Crown of the Sun Marching Invitational, among others.

The success of the Desert Ridge High Marching Band reflects the broader commitment of the 38 Gilbert Public Schools to provide Arizona families with high-quality education and enriching extracurricular activities.

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