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- 😇 Gilbert Community Honors Young Boy's Life 🕵️ QCPD's most recent update on Preston Lord homicide 👩🏽🎨 "Breaking Rules, Honoring Tradition" and more...
😇 Gilbert Community Honors Young Boy's Life 🕵️ QCPD's most recent update on Preston Lord homicide 👩🏽🎨 "Breaking Rules, Honoring Tradition" and more...
Gilbert Local Pulse | Issue #036
Lloyd Heath
December 11, 2023
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In this issue of Gilbert Local Pulse
🌤️ Gilbert, AZ Local Weather
📅 Gilbert, AZ and Surrounding Area Events
😇 Gilbert Community Honors Young Boy's Life After Tragic Car Crash
🕵️ QCPD's most recent update on Preston Lord homicide investigation
🚗 Road speed triggers council clash
🧑⚕️ Medical program additions at Arizona universities aims to help health care worker shortage
🎈 Gilbert's Riparian Preserve Lights Up the Night with Holiday Cheer
👩🏽🎨 "Breaking Rules, Honoring Tradition": Chandler's Unique Art Quilt Display
🏈 Frustrated 4 Star Oregon recruit from Gilbert, AZ enters transfer portal
🏋🏽 Crismon High coach finalist for national award
December 11th Ongoing
Eagles Goodbye Tour - Phoenix Jan 19 & 20 2024; Tickets on sale now! Purchase Tickets
Skate Westgate Click here for details
Riparian After Dark 5:30pm - 9pm
Arizona Nights in the Light Thru Dec 30
December 11 - 19 Upcoming
Eagles Goodbye Tour - Phoenix Jan 19 & 20 2024; Tickets on sale now! Purchase Tickets
Skate Westgate Click here for details
Riparian After Dark 5:30pm - 9pm
FuelFest Arizona at the Westworld of Scottsdale / 16601 N. Pima Rd, Scottsdale, AZ Dec 9th 1pm - 8pm
Blue Line of Love Drive Gilbert PD 75 E Civic Center Thru Dec 18
Winterfest by Gilbert Classical Academy December 9, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at 1016 N. Burk St
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.
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.
Gilbert Community Honors Young Boy's Life After Tragic Car Crash
A heartfelt celebration of life was held in Gilbert, AZ, for a 9-year-old boy tragically killed in a car crash. The event, attended by hundreds, was a poignant reminder of the young life cut short, and a testament to the impact he had on many in his short nine years.
QCPD's most recent update on Preston Lord homicide investigation
The Queen Creek community continues to grapple with the tragic loss of Preston Lord, a 16-year-old whose life was abruptly cut short following an assault on October 28. The dedicated efforts of the Queen Creek Police Department (QCPD) in the investigation of this heinous act were recently highlighted at a town council meeting, where a poignant moment of silence was observed. Mayor Julia Wheatley and Chief Randy Brice emphasized the unwavering commitment to bringing justice for Preston, despite the complexities of the case. With over 50 search warrants already served, the QCPD stands resolute in their pursuit, balancing the urgency for an arrest with the meticulousness required for a successful prosecution. The community and the police department remain united in their sorrow and determination to see justice served.
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Road speed triggers council clash
In Mesa, Arizona, the City Council engaged in a significant debate regarding the speed limit on Williams Field Road, particularly between Crismon Road and the eastern city limits near Meridian Road. The council was split on whether to set the speed at 40 or 45 mph, ultimately voting 4-3 in favor of the higher limit. This decision highlighted the council's differing views on road safety and the need for varied traffic measures to cater to all users, including cyclists and e-bike riders.
While Mesa's transportation staff recommended a 45 mph limit, aligning with the road's design and observed driving speeds, the Transportation Advisory Board proposed a uniform, lower speed limit for enhanced safety, especially for non-automobile users. This marked a rare instance of disagreement with the staff's recommendation, bringing to light the broader issue of road design in relation to community values and safety. The council's decision reflects an evolving perspective on road policy in Mesa, emphasizing a more inclusive approach to accommodate diverse transportation needs.
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Medical program additions at Arizona universities aims to help health care worker shortage
Arizona's public universities are actively expanding their medical program offerings in response to the statewide shortage of health care professionals. This expansion is part of the Arizona Board of Regents' "AZ Healthy Tomorrow" initiative, aimed at rapidly growing the health care workforce. Significant developments include:
Arizona State University (ASU): The introduction of the School of Public Health Technology and the School of Medicine and Advanced Medical Engineering. ASU is also strengthening its partnership with the Mayo Clinic and establishing a state health observatory.
Northern Arizona University (NAU): Plans to establish a new College of Medicine in Flagstaff and a stand-alone College of Nursing. NAU aims to double the number of health-related degrees by 2030.
University of Arizona (UArizona): Launch of a new College of Health Sciences and an expansion in medical residency and fellowship positions. The university is focused on doubling its medical school graduates by 2030 despite financial constraints.
These efforts are essential in addressing the critical health care needs in Arizona. The state requires a significant increase in health care professionals, including registered nurses, physicians, and behavioral health workers, by 2030 to meet the growing demand. Enhancing medical education and training opportunities is seen as a key strategy to ensure a sufficient and skilled health care workforce in the state
Gilbert's Riparian Preserve Lights Up the Night with Holiday Cheer
Gilbert's beloved holiday event, "Riparian After Dark," returns, transforming the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch into a festive wonderland. From December 8-19, visitors can wander 1.5 miles of beautifully lit trails each evening from 5:30 to 9:00 PM. Admission is $5 online or $10 at the event, with free entry for children under three. While enjoying the light displays, attendees can indulge in hot beverages from an on-site truck, though other food services are not available. Accessible by strollers and wheelchairs, the event also allows leashed pets. Alongside the festive cheer, the town collects pet supplies for local animal rescues.
"Breaking Rules, Honoring Tradition": Chandler's Unique Art Quilt Display
In the heart of downtown Chandler, the Vision Gallery unveils a captivating display, "Art Quilts XXVIII: Breaking Rules, Honoring Tradition," running through January 12. This exhibition showcases the inventive works of 40 artists, hailing from both local areas and across the nation, with the majority of the quilts available for purchase.
Shelly White, a seasoned fiber/mixed media artist and education specialist at Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum, curated this exhibit. Selecting from about 75 submissions, White chose 53 quilts based on their design, content, originality, and craftsmanship.
The exhibition's theme encouraged artists to creatively interpret various aspects, from physical techniques and materials to personal narratives and social commentaries. Apart from traditional quilting fabrics, artists also incorporated unconventional materials like wood, paper, and metal.
One of the standout pieces is by Chandler's own Laurie Fagen, titled "My Happy Place." This piece is a testament to Fagen's adventurous spirit, featuring a Kauai seashore photo transferred to fabric and enhanced with rayon threads, attached to a painted canvas.
Denise A. Currier's "Electrically Charged in Fiber" resonates with the theme of breaking rules. It uniquely incorporates computer parts and telephone cords, merging modern technology with traditional quilting.
Gilbert artist Linda McCurry contributes "Household Accounting," a quilt that explores the five universal shapes identified by Angeles Arrien. This piece delves into the multifaceted roles of women, using these shapes to symbolize their varied life experiences.
Caroline Hudson-Naef, the visual arts assistant for the City of Chandler, praises the show for allowing diverse interpretations, blending modern artistry with traditional quilting techniques.
This exhibition is among the most popular annual shows at the Vision Gallery, drawing in a wide audience with its unique blend of artistry during the holiday season.
For more details, visit the Vision Gallery at 10 E. Chicago St., Chandler, or check their website at visiongallery.org/event/art-quilts-xxviii-breaking-rules-honoring-tradition.
Frustrated 4 Star Oregon recruit from Gilbert, AZ enters transfer portal
In a recent development for the Oregon Ducks football team, quarterback Ty Thompson posted a cryptic image on Twitter, depicting himself walking away from a rack of Oregon helmets. This post came shortly after the announcement of Dillon Gabriel's commitment to the Ducks, stirring speculations about Thompson's future with the team. Thompson, a former 4-star recruit, has been part of the Ducks since his recruitment from Gilbert, Arizona, with a record of 66 pass attempts, 456 yards, 6 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions. In a significant turn of events, Thompson reportedly entered the transfer portal soon after. Dillon Gabriel, the new addition to the Ducks, brings substantial experience, having played at UCF and Oklahoma, where he established himself as an elite quarterback with impressive stats including 3,660 yards and 30 touchdowns in the 2023 season.
Crismon High coach finalist for national award
Crismon High School's strength training coach, Ben Brandau, is in the spotlight for his remarkable achievements, as he emerges as one of the top four finalists for the prestigious National High School Strength Coaches Association’s Coach of the Year award for 2024. This coveted accolade, presented annually, honors a high school strength and conditioning coach's dedication and outstanding contribution to the field. The award not only acknowledges their professional success but also their zeal for coaching.
Brandau's journey in the field spans over two decades, marked by his continuous membership in the association for more than 22 years. His expertise and commitment were previously recognized at the state level when he was named the Arizona State Coach of the Year in 2021. This national-level nomination stands as a testament to his unwavering dedication and impact in the realm of strength training.
The recognition extends beyond professional accolades, touching on the personal connections and influence Brandau has had on his trainees. He fondly recalls the outpouring of appreciation from former students, some now in their late thirties, as one of the most rewarding aspects of his career. Their messages of gratitude, received through various channels, highlight the lasting impact of his mentorship.
The announcement of the winner, who will be awarded a personalized Coach of the Year belt, is eagerly awaited and is set to be made in late December, culminating a year of remarkable achievements in high school strength training.
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