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  • 🏙️ Gilbert Shines on National Stage 🫱🏻‍🫲🏼 What's being done about veteran suicides 🖤🦹‍♀️"Doomsday Mom" Lori Vallow Daybell Extradited to Phoenix and more...

🏙️ Gilbert Shines on National Stage 🫱🏻‍🫲🏼 What's being done about veteran suicides 🖤🦹‍♀️"Doomsday Mom" Lori Vallow Daybell Extradited to Phoenix and more...

Gilbert Local Pulse | Issue #028

Author

Lloyd Heath
December 01, 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)

🏙️ Gilbert Shines on National Stage: Among Top U.S. Cities for Growth and Safety

🏠 Queen Creek Takes a Softer Stance on Short-Term Rental Regulations

🫱🏻‍🫲🏼 'We've got too many people killing themselves': What's being done about veteran suicides

 🚧 Heritage Trail near Elliot to Partially Close for Railroad Construction

 🖤🦹‍♀️"Doomsday Mom" Lori Vallow Daybell Extradited to Phoenix for New Murder Charges

 🎁 Cold Beers Cares kicks off season of giving with Home2First Foundation

 💗 4 Essential Ways to Give Back During the Holidays in Gilbert

 🏈 Preps 5A football title preview: #2 Desert Edge vs. #1 Gilbert Higley

December 1st

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.

Gilbert Shines on National Stage: Among Top U.S. Cities for Growth and Safety

Gilbert, Arizona, has been recognized as the second fastest-growing city in the U.S. and the second safest city in America. This growth, marked by a surge in population, employment, and housing development, signifies Gilbert's transition from an agricultural community to a city of 282,000 residents. The city has also received accolades for being a great place to live. City Manager Patrick Banger attributes this success to Gilbert's strong economy, quality schools, and safe neighborhoods. Gilbert's achievements are part of a broader trend in Arizona, with the city leading in national rankings.

Queen Creek Takes a Softer Stance on Short-Term Rental Regulations

In Queen Creek, Arizona, a recent amendment has relaxed the town's short-term rental regulations, a move contrasting with the broader regional trend towards stricter controls. Initially, the town had implemented a short-term rental ordinance in December 2022, which included a business license requirement. However, this fall, debates within the town council led to a proposal to repeal the ordinance, citing a lack of significant issues with short-term rentals in the area.

During council discussions, some members expressed concerns that the ordinance was overly stringent, particularly in its demand for property owners to obtain a business license. Conversely, others argued for retaining the ordinance to monitor rental homes and maintain contact information for emergency situations. Ultimately, the decision to amend rather than repeal came after residents voiced their preference for keeping the ordinance.

The revised ordinance now eliminates the requirement for a business license and the associated fees, which included a $60 initial license fee and a $40 annual re-registration cost. Instead, it introduces a no-cost, one-time registration. This change is expected to result in an annual loss of $6,000 for the town, which is the same amount it spends yearly on tracking and outreach related to short-term rentals.

Queen Creek's decision represents a deviation from the regional movement towards more rigorous regulation of short-term rentals. The town's approach highlights the balance between regulatory oversight and fostering an accommodating environment for property owners in the short-term rental market.

'We've got too many people killing themselves': What's being done about veteran suicides

Jamie Oltersdorf, a U.S. Air Force veteran at Yavapai College, honors veterans every 22nd day of the month by placing military boots around a flagpole and observing silence. This act raises awareness of the high suicide rates among veterans in Arizona, where nearly 1,800 veterans have taken their lives since 2017. Efforts across the state, like new clinics and training programs, aim to address veteran mental health, but challenges such as the military's stoic culture, VA system complexities, and eligibility issues persist. Organizations like the Warrior Healing Project in Sierra Vista provide crucial support. The state recorded its highest annual veteran suicide rate in recent years, highlighting the need for more effective outreach and mental health care. Read Full Story

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​

"Doomsday Mom" Lori Vallow Daybell Extradited to Phoenix for New Murder Charges

Lori Vallow Daybell, known as the "Doomsday Mom" due to her role in a high-profile murder case, has been extradited from Idaho to Phoenix, Arizona. She was previously serving a life sentence in Idaho for the murder of her children, after a former friend testified that Vallow Daybell believed her children were "zombies." The Maricopa County Attorney's Office initiated the extradition process in August, seeking her return to Arizona to face additional charges.

In Maricopa County, Vallow Daybell faces two counts of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder. These charges stem from investigations by the Chandler and Gilbert police departments. Additionally, Maricopa County prosecutors are considering further charges related to the death of her ex-husband, Charles Vallow, in Chandler, and an attempted shooting of a relative, Brandon Boudreaux, in Gilbert.

Sgt. Monica Bretado from the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office detailed the extradition process. Deputies traveled to Pocatello, Idaho, by vehicle due to potential weather-related issues with air travel. They arrived back in Maricopa County after midnight on Thursday, booking Vallow Daybell into the Sheriff's Office's Intake, Transfer, and Release facility in Phoenix.

Sheriff Paul Penzone, in a Thursday afternoon press conference, announced that Vallow Daybell is being held in the Estrella Jail in Phoenix, under high-security measures, and will remain there throughout her trial. Four deputies were tasked with the 18-hour drive to retrieve Vallow Daybell from the Pocatello Women's Correctional Center, using two four-wheel drive vehicles for the operation.

Cold Beers Cares kicks off season of giving with Home2First Foundation

Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers, in collaboration with its philanthropic branch Cold Beers Cares, is rallying support for the Home2First Foundation this holiday season. Patrons are invited to donate at OurMayBerry.com/donate-to/236, where they stand a chance to win a year’s supply of cheeseburgers in 2024 at Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers. Additional prizes include a PlayStation 5 and a Yeti cooler. This charity initiative supports the Home2First Foundation's mission to provide baseball equipment to underprivileged children globally. Cold Beers Cares, established in 2019 to support various Arizona nonprofits, continues its legacy of community service. To participate or learn more, visit ColdBeers.com.

4 Essential Ways to Give Back During the Holidays in Gilbert

The Gilbert community in Arizona is embracing the holiday spirit with a variety of initiatives aimed at giving back. Residents are encouraged to participate in several activities, each offering a unique way to contribute to the community.

  1. Participation in Donation Drives: The Gilbert Police Department and Gilbert Fire & Rescue are organizing donation drives. The Blue Line of Love Holiday Drive is collecting gift cards, new unwrapped toys, personal hygiene products, and gift-wrapping supplies. Additionally, Gilbert Fire & Rescue is hosting a “Rides with Santa” event, where donations of new unwrapped toys and gift cards will be collected for students in need.

  2. Volunteering Opportunities: There's an invitation to volunteer in various community activities. These opportunities include serving youth, seniors, or families in Gilbert, with flexible time commitments to accommodate different schedules.

  3. Adopting a Youth or Family: This initiative allows residents to secretly fulfill the holiday wishes of a local youth, senior, or family. Participants can anonymously purchase and donate items from wish lists, bringing joy to those in need.

  4. Shopping for a Great Cause: The Gilbert Town Store and the Light the World Giving Machine at Gilbert Water Tower Plaza offer unique shopping experiences. Proceeds from sales at the Gilbert Town Store support Neighbor 2 Neighbor, aiding local non-profits. The Giving Machine allows purchases of essential items like groceries and medical care, supporting both local and global charities.

Preps 5A football title preview: #2 Desert Edge vs. #1 Gilbert Higley

The Desert Edge High School football team, led by a decorated senior class and a growing group of younger coaches, has reached the pinnacle of Arizona high school football. They are set to face the defending 5A champions, Higley High School, in a highly anticipated final. The game is not only a rematch of last year's quarterfinal, where Higley narrowly defeated Desert Edge, but also a chance for Desert Edge to avenge their previous loss and claim the state title.

Desert Edge's journey to the final was marked by a dramatic victory over Scottsdale Horizon in the semifinal. Trailing in the fourth quarter, they managed an 80-yard touchdown drive, culminating in a game-winning leap into the end zone by junior quarterback Hezekiah "Buddha" Millender. This moment was a testament to the resilience and skill of the team, particularly highlighted by key performances from senior players like running back Marki McKinnon and wide receivers Kezion Dia-Johnson and Jaqua Anderson.

Higley, on the other hand, presents a unique challenge with its fast-paced, efficient offense led by senior running back Daxen Hall, one of the state's top ball carriers. The Higley offense is known for its tempo and ability to dissect defenses at multiple levels in the passing game.

Desert Edge's co-coaches, Mark and Marcus Carter, emphasize the importance of preparation and film study in facing Higley's dynamic offense. Defensive coordinator Marcus Carter points out the need for strong tackling and positional discipline to counter Higley's air raid system.

The final will also showcase a range of talented players from both teams, including junior receiver Taveon Sueing and junior defensive tackle Jonathan Shively for Higley, and Desert Edge's senior cornerback Aundre Gibson, a Kansas commit. Desert Edge's team, boosted by transfers and a strong defensive backfield, is aiming for its first title at the 5A level, adding to their legacy that includes a 2015 championship and a runner-up finish in 2012 at the Division III level.

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