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  • 👩‍⚖️⚖️Trailblazer Sandra Day O'Connor 📈 Gilbert Water Rates Set to Climb 🧱 Bricks & Minifigs: Gilbert's New Lego Haven and more...

👩‍⚖️⚖️Trailblazer Sandra Day O'Connor 📈 Gilbert Water Rates Set to Climb 🧱 Bricks & Minifigs: Gilbert's New Lego Haven and more...

Gilbert Local Pulse | Issue #029

Author

Lloyd Heath
December 02, 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)

👩‍⚖️⚖️Trailblazer Sandra Day O'Connor, First Woman on Supreme Court, Dies at 93

 🚧 Heritage Trail near Elliot to Partially Close for Railroad Construction

 📈 Gilbert Water Rates Set to Climb: Town Council Eyes April Increase

 👮 Second Combs High School student killed in San Tan Valley, suspect arrested

 🧱 Bricks & Minifigs: Gilbert's New Lego Haven Opened by Local Teachers

 🚒 Gilbert Fire & Rescue collecting toys at Rides with Santa event

 🏈 Roster Shake-up: Arizona Cardinals Waive Zach Ertz

 🏈 Gilbert Higley's Coach-Player Father-Son Duo Eye Championship Glory

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.

Trailblazer Sandra Day O'Connor, First Woman on Supreme Court, Dies at 93

Sandra Day O'Connor, the first woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court and a prominent figure of moderate conservatism, has passed away at the age of 93. Her death occurred in Phoenix, Arizona, due to complications related to advanced dementia and a respiratory illness. O'Connor, born in El Paso, Texas, broke 191 years of male exclusivity on the high court with her appointment by President Ronald Reagan in 1981. She was known for her hard work and significant political influence on the court.

Growing up on her family's ranch in Arizona, O'Connor developed a tenacious and independent spirit from an early age. She often engaged in ranch activities, such as horse riding, cattle herding, and driving trucks and tractors. O'Connor, who once said she fixed windmills and repaired fences as a child, brought this strong-willed nature to the Supreme Court.

Her most notable contributions to the Court included her stance on abortion. In 1989, she opposed allowing states to outlaw most abortions, refusing to overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade decision. In 1992, she played a crucial role in a five-justice majority that reaffirmed this decision in Planned Parenthood v. Casey. However, thirty years later, her successor, Justice Samuel Alito, was instrumental in overturning Roe and Casey. Additionally, O'Connor was part of the 5-4 majority in the 2000 presidential election decision that favored George W. Bush over Al Gore.

Colleagues respected O'Connor for her outstanding work and gracious demeanor. Her strong opinions were evident in her dissent against a ruling that allowed the seizure of personal property for private development, where she expressed concern over granting more power to the powerful.

O'Connor's tenure as the only woman on the Supreme Court lasted until 1993, when President Bill Clinton nominated Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She was often regarded as one of the nation's most powerful women​.

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 Water Rates Set to Climb: Town Council Eyes April Increase

Gilbert Town Council is on the path to implement significant yet phased increases in water rates for residents. Starting from April next year, homeowners in Gilbert may see their water bills rise by an average of $17. This change hinges on the council's decision in February, where they will review and potentially approve the proposed rate adjustments. This step marks a move to address the town's utility funding needs while balancing the financial impact on its residents.

Second Combs High School student killed in San Tan Valley, suspect arrested

The community of San Tan Valley is facing another tragic loss with the shooting death of Jamiere Jenkins, a 17-year-old student from Combs High School. This incident, occurring nearly a month after the untimely death of another student from the same school, has cast a shadow of grief over the area. The authorities have apprehended a suspect in connection with this recent incident, marking a crucial step in the investigation.

Bricks & Minifigs: Gilbert's New Lego Haven Opened by Local Teachers

Theresa Bartholomew and Rachel Mangum, passionate Lego enthusiasts, took a significant step in their journey with the iconic toy brand by opening a Bricks & Minifigs store in Gilbert, Arizona. Their adventure began when they visited a Bricks & Minifigs store in Avondale for the first time in February 2020 with their sons. This visit sparked an idea that led them to open their own store. In December 2021, they launched the Bricks & Minifigs store at East Guadalupe and North Recker roads in Gilbert, marking it as the 40th franchise location. Their love for Lego, which started with building sets with young children, evolved into collecting various themes and creating their own Lego city.

Bartholomew and Mangum, both teachers, recognized that Lego is not just a children's toy but can be a creative and engaging hobby for all ages. Their store, Bricks & Minifigs, offers a wide range of Lego products and provides an opportunity for fellow enthusiasts to connect and enjoy the world of Lego. By transitioning from teachers to business owners, they have managed to turn their family hobby into a thriving enterprise, catering to the Lego community in Gilbert​.

Gilbert Fire & Rescue collecting toys at Rides with Santa event

The Gilbert Fire & Rescue Department in Arizona is bringing festive cheer to the community with its annual "Rides With Santa" event. Scheduled for Saturday, December 2nd, from 9 to 11 am, this event is set to take place at the Walmart located at 2501 S. Market St., Gilbert. In the spirit of giving, participants are encouraged to donate a new, unwrapped toy or gift card, which will be contributed to Gilbert Public Schools, aiding children in need. As a token of appreciation, donors will be treated to a delightful ride on a Gilbert fire truck, a memorable photo opportunity with Santa, and even a special appearance by The Grinch

Roster Shake-up: Arizona Cardinals Waive Zach Ertz

The Arizona Cardinals waived tight end Zach Ertz, who had been with the team since 2021. Ertz requested the release to join a contender, becoming subject to waivers. In his time with the Cardinals, Ertz had 130 receptions, 1,167 yards, and eight touchdowns. His release affects the Cardinals' financials, with potential dead money implications and a future contract for Ertz in 2024.

Gilbert Higley's Coach-Player Father-Son Duo Eye Championship Glory

Eddy Zubey, the head coach of Gilbert Higley's high school football team, is creating unforgettable memories with his son, Andrew, as they pursue their second consecutive championship title. Eddy, who grew up idolizing his father, a coach at De La Salle High School in California, faced a personal tragedy when his father passed away when he was just eight. Despite this, he continued to be involved in football, eventually making a pivotal decision to become a high school coach instead of a college coach, prioritizing family time over potential financial gains.

Now, Eddy shares a special bond with his son, Andrew, a talented senior safety and long snapper for the Higley team. Andrew has been instrumental in the team's success, leading the team with five interceptions this year. Their close relationship is evident in their daily interactions on and off the field, with both cherishing every moment of this journey together. Eddy describes coaching his son as living a dream, expressing pride and joy in their shared experiences.

As they prepare for the upcoming 5A championship game against Goodyear Desert Edge, Eddy and Andrew are focused on replicating last year's success. In the previous season's championship, Andrew made a significant impact with 12 tackles. The upcoming game is anticipated to be challenging, as they face key playmakers from Desert Edge, including Jaqua Anderson and Kezion Dia-Johnson. However, the Zubey duo is determined to make the most of this opportunity, aiming for another memorable victory​.

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