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  • 🏢 Gilbert Resident Wins Zoning Battle to Keep Vehicle Storage Business 🧑‍💼 Top City Employee Earners 🏓 Gilbert Gladiators take on Peoria Pythons and more...

🏢 Gilbert Resident Wins Zoning Battle to Keep Vehicle Storage Business 🧑‍💼 Top City Employee Earners 🏓 Gilbert Gladiators take on Peoria Pythons and more...

Gilbert Local Pulse | Issue #043

Author

Lloyd Heath
December 19, 2023

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In this issue of Gilbert Local Pulse

🌤️ Gilbert, AZ Local Weather

 📅 Gilbert, AZ and Surrounding Area Events

 🏢 Gilbert Resident Wins Zoning Battle to Keep Vehicle Storage Business

 🚄 Rail Development in Arizona: Gilbert Opts Out of Tucson-Buckeye Route

 🧑‍💼 Top City Employee Earners in the $200k Club +

 🚸 Higley Unified School District embracing choices for parents and students

 🌇 Enchanting Valley Evenings: Explore Local Holiday Light Wonders

⚽ Chiuchiolo's Competitive Edge Drives Gilbert Christian Towards Soccer Excellence

 🏓 Gilbert Gladiators take on Peoria Pythons in Second Arizona Pickleball League Championship

December Ongoing

December Upcoming Events

Gilbert Resident Wins Zoning Battle to Keep Vehicle Storage Business

Ronald Ore-Giron, a Gilbert resident, faced a zoning conflict over his vehicle storage business, which has been in operation since 2009. Located in a rural residential area, the business was found non-compliant by Maricopa County in April 2022, risking closure. Ore-Giron, dependent on this business due to a leg injury, sought a special use permit, despite opposition from neighboring businesses and residents concerned about safety and traffic. The county's Planning and Zoning Commission, acknowledging minimal traffic impact and Ore-Giron's efforts to comply, granted the permit with stipulations, including a vehicle limit and restricted operating hours.

Rail Development in Arizona: Gilbert Opts Out of Tucson-Buckeye Route

Gilbert, Arizona, is not included in the new plans to reestablish passenger rail service between Tucson and Buckeye, and the town is neutral on the matter. This follows discussions about a commuter rail line using an existing rail alignment through Gilbert. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) received a $500,000 federal grant to begin planning the service, with an additional $3.5 million in state funds. Last fall, the Gilbert Town Council faced significant opposition from residents against rail development, leading to the tabling of a study on commuter stations and an ordinance against using town funds for light rail. However, the ordinance does not address heavier passenger rail. Gilbert remains uninvolved in the proposed corridor, which would use an existing route discontinued by Amtrak in 1997, aiming to operate at speeds between 79 and 125 mph. Planned stops include Tucson, Marana, Coolidge, Queen Creek, Tempe, Sky Harbor Airport, downtown Phoenix, Goodyear-Avondale, and Buckeye. The Union Pacific Railroad line in Gilbert currently services freight rail.

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Top City Employee Earners in the $200k Club +

Jim Thompson, Scottsdale City Manager

In the city of Scottsdale, salaries for city employees, particularly those in managerial and executive positions, significantly outstrip those in neighboring cities Chandler and Gilbert, despite Scottsdale's smaller population. Over ten Scottsdale city employees earn more than $200,000 annually, while elected officials like Mayor David Ortega earn considerably less, with Ortega's annual pay being $59,462. This contrasts with salaries in Chandler and Gilbert, where the respective Mayors earn $56,758 and $43,631, and Council members earn less than their Scottsdale counterparts.

Recent raises in Scottsdale have seen the City Attorney's salary increase to $304,000 and the Treasurer's to $242,000, both surpassing their counterparts in Chandler and Gilbert. The city clerk, fire chief, police chief, and directors of public works and water services in Scottsdale also enjoy higher salaries compared to their peers in neighboring cities.

Department heads in Scottsdale generally earn between $125,000 to $170,000, with a few exceptions like the Parks and Recreation director at $110,780 and the Government Relations director at $149,094. The Planning and Economic Tourism director earns $177,736, and the Sustainability director has a salary of $129,812.

Scottsdale's City Manager, Jim Thompson, was recently rehired at a yearly salary of $375,000, second only to Phoenix's City Manager in the Valley, despite Scottsdale being significantly smaller. Other assistant city managers in Scottsdale also have high salaries, with one even earning $221,145.

In contrast, city managers and assistant city managers in Chandler and Gilbert earn less despite overseeing larger populations. For example, Chandler's City Manager earns $309,526, and Gilbert's Town Manager earns $330,944.

The Scottsdale City Council is set to appoint a new city auditor with a base salary of $197,000, just below the threshold of the city's top earners. Full Story Here.

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Higley Unified School District embracing choices for parents and students

In Gilbert and Queen Creek, the Higley Unified School District (HUSD) stands out for its commitment to providing comprehensive and personalized education across its 16 schools. The district prides itself on its ability to offer continuity in learning from preschool through high school, emphasizing a well-rounded approach that includes academics, music, arts, languages, athletics, physical education, technology, and character education.

Central to Higley's mission is empowering students to become responsible citizens equipped with the necessary knowledge, skills, and work ethic for future success. This objective is pursued through a variety of educational pathways and specialized programs, acknowledging the unique needs, interests, and learning styles of each student. From STEM programs to arts and humanities, and vocational education, the district provides a rich tapestry of options.

Higley also values parental involvement, recognizing the critical role of parents in a student's success. The district facilitates this through parent-teacher associations, school committees, and regular conferences. Additionally, the Higley Traditional Academy and Bridges Elementary’s THINK! Highly Gifted Academy are examples of the district's tailored educational offerings.

The district offers over 35 Advanced Placement and dual enrollment classes in its high schools, along with specialized diplomas and seals like the STEM diploma and the Arizona State Seal of Arts Proficiency. Extracurricular activities also play a significant role, beginning at the elementary level and expanding in variety through middle and high school.

Recognizing the need for flexibility, HUSD provides online and blended learning options, accommodating students who require adaptable schedules. This comprehensive approach not only caters to diverse educational needs but also fosters a partnership with families, ensuring students are prepared for a world of limitless opportunities.

Enchanting Valley Evenings: Explore Local Holiday Light Wonders

The holiday season in the Valley is marked by a transformation into enchanting realms of lights. Every corner, from town displays and farms to tourist spots, radiates festive cheer, with residents actively participating in this colorful tradition. A standout example is John Nelson from Queen Creek, who has adorned his home at 23467 S. 223rd Court with approximately 70,000 lights, creating a luminous spectacle. This display features 13,000 lights forming a shimmering curtain on the house's side and 25,000 lights across trees and bushes, all synchronized to music. On certain evenings, Nelson even dresses up as the Grinch, delighting passersby with candy canes.

Nelson encourages the public to visit and capture the festive spirit through photographs, and for those unable to attend, he shares a glimpse of his dazzling display on TikTok. Amidst the grandeur, questions about soaring electric bills arise. However, Jennifer Schuricht, a spokesperson for SRP, alleviates these concerns. While extravagant displays may slightly increase bills, the shift to energy-efficient LED holiday lights means that the impact on monthly bills is minimal, usually less than $5 for LED users.

This season offers a chance to explore the Valley's neighborhoods and discover the creative displays by other residents or visit municipal and commercial sites for a broader holiday light experience.

Chiuchiolo's Competitive Edge Drives Gilbert Christian Towards Soccer Excellence

Caprice Chiuchiolo, a junior midfielder for Gilbert Christian's girls soccer team, stands out not only for her impressive stats—30 goals and 24 assists last season—but also for her deep understanding of the game. Coach Hector Orellana, who has been involved in soccer for over 25 years, recognized Chiuchiolo's unique talent and soccer intelligence when he first saw her play in 2016. Her ability to read the game, even as a young player, set her apart from her peers.

Orellana, who began his soccer journey in Northern California and had a stint with the San Jose Clash of Major League Soccer, moved to Arizona in 2002. He returned to coaching to support his daughter Daniella's interest in soccer. Under his guidance, Chiuchiolo and Daniella, now a senior and co-captain, have become key players for Gilbert Christian. Last season, they led the team to the 3A state championship game, only to lose to Queen Creek Benjamin Franklin.

Chiuchiolo's influence extends beyond the field, inspiring her teammates, including her younger sister Angie and freshman forward Mila Russo, with her competitiveness. Her leadership and skills have helped Daniella evolve her playing style, becoming more confident in advancing the ball and scoring.

Chiuchiolo's achievements also include training with the Ecuadorian U-17 national team in Guayaquil, exploring her family roots and testing her skills against international players. Her aspiration to be selected for the U-17 World Cup qualifying team in 2024 shows her ambition.

Beyond soccer, Chiuchiolo has made a mark in varsity football as a kicker, proving that gender barriers in sports can be broken. Her determination and skill in both sports have made her an inspiration for younger girls.

Coach Orellana believes Chiuchiolo has the potential to play at an even higher level, possibly for the Ecuadorian senior national team. Her understanding of the game and ability to execute plays that lead her teammates either into or out of pressure demonstrate a maturity beyond her years. Chiuchiolo’s journey in soccer is not just about playing the game but about mastering and reshaping it.

Gilbert Gladiators take on Peoria Pythons in Second Arizona Pickleball League Championship

In a highly anticipated matchup, the Gilbert Gladiators will compete against the Peoria Pythons in the Arizona Pickleball League Championship. This significant event is scheduled for December 19, from 5 to 8 p.m., and will take place at the Orchard at Jigsaw Health, located at 9035 E. Pima Center Parkway, Suite #15, in Scottsdale. This championship game marks the second such event for the Arizona Pickleball League, highlighting its growing popularity.

Despite the excitement, tickets for the game are no longer available, as it is completely sold out. However, pickleball enthusiasts and those interested in the league can find more information by visiting the Arizona Pickleball League's official website at www.ArizonaPBL.com or by contacting them at 480-433-9187.

Additionally, The Orchard at Jigsaw Health, the venue hosting the championship, offers more than just matches. For details on attending future games, organizing events at the venue, or just to stay updated with team news and other activities, one can visit www.OrchardPickleball.com. The Orchard at Jigsaw Health also maintains an active social media presence, where updates and news are regularly posted on their Facebook and Instagram platforms.

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