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  • 🥤 Arizona Embarks on Transformative Journey 📸 East Valley Photo Teacher Named Best in Art and more...

🥤 Arizona Embarks on Transformative Journey 📸 East Valley Photo Teacher Named Best in Art and more...

Gilbert Local Pulse | Issue #045

Author

Lloyd Heath
December 21, 2023

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In this issue of Gilbert Local Pulse

🌤️ Gilbert, AZ Local Weather

 📅 Gilbert, AZ and Surrounding Area Events

⛳ Golf Event: Reid West Junior Golf Winter Camps

 📈 Arizona Holds Steady: Economic Forecast Reveals Continued Growth Potential

 🥤 Arizona Embarks on Transformative Journey to Turn Wastewater into Drinking Water

 👮 Repeat Offender: Streets of Joy CEO Sentenced Again, This Time for Tax Fraud

 📸 East Valley Photo Teacher Named Best in Art

 🧑‍🎨 Gilbert sculptor plans solo show at Herberger

December Ongoing

December Upcoming Events

Reid West Junior Golf Winter Camps

Bear Creek Junior Academy Winter Break Camp Age 9 and Under, Age 10 and older

Can sign up for one week or both weeks.

Dates: December 26-28 or January 2-4 1:00pm-5:00pm

Includes PGA instruction, snacks and lunch $179 per student per student per week, full payment must be paid 3 days before camp starts.

All payments will be through Reid West Golf Academies Call 623-687-4333 or visit registration site for more information.

Arizona Holds Steady: Economic Forecast Reveals Continued Growth Potential

Arizona's economy in 2023 experienced modest growth with stable projections for the coming year. Dennis L. Hoffman, a leading Arizona economist, emphasized the state's resilience during tough times, particularly during the pandemic. Insights from the 60th annual Economic Forecast Luncheon, attended by business and governmental leaders, were shared. Key areas of growth include healthcare, artificial intelligence, sustainability, and healthcare. Despite global economic challenges, Arizona's economy shows robustness, with growth in healthcare, leisure and hospitality, and other sectors. Small businesses remain optimistic amidst challenges. Future growth is expected in various sectors, with Arizona emerging as a semiconductor research hub. Read Full Story.

Arizona Embarks on Transformative Journey to Turn Wastewater into Drinking Water

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) has introduced an innovative roadmap for transforming treated wastewater into safe drinking water. This initiative, aimed at addressing the persistent water scarcity in Arizona, marks a significant shift towards sustainable water management. The roadmap, a culmination of 18 months of development, outlines rigorous technical standards for purification technologies. It was crafted by a diverse team of experts, including scientists and technical consultants, ensuring a comprehensive approach.

Central to the roadmap is the concept of advanced water purification, which employs multi-barrier protection methods like membrane filtration, reverse osmosis, and advanced ultraviolet oxidation. These processes meticulously purify the wastewater, removing harmful chemicals and disease-causing organisms. The result is drinking water that meets or surpasses all state and federal standards.

Arizona's journey in water reclamation began in 1988, primarily focusing on aquifer replenishment and irrigation. Notably, Scottsdale has been a pioneer, providing treated wastewater for golf courses since 2012. The city's small-scale demonstration facility for advanced water purification, though not yet contributing to the drinking water supply, showcases the potential of this technology through educational tours and partnerships with local breweries.

This initiative represents a proactive response to the challenges posed by prolonged droughts and finite groundwater supplies in Arizona. The ADEQ’s tailored approach, drawing lessons from similar programs in California, Colorado, and Texas, resonates with the unique needs of the state. The public comment period for the proposed roadmap has concluded, and based on the feedback received, ADEQ plans to finalize the rules by the end of 2024, paving the way for implementation in 2025.

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Repeat Offender: Streets of Joy CEO Sentenced Again, This Time for Tax Fraud

Eric Jenkins

Eric Jenkins, the founder and CEO of the Mesa-based Streets of Joy food bank and housing program, has been sentenced to a year in prison and three years of supervised release for felony tax fraud. This sentencing follows his guilty plea earlier in 2021. Jenkins was indicted by the U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona for submitting fraudulent claims on tax forms over three consecutive years - 2017, 2018, and 2019. This is not Jenkins' first brush with legal issues; in 2013, he pleaded guilty to defrauding the Federal Communications Commission of nearly $500,000.

Streets of Joy, in the wake of Jenkins' sentencing, assured continuity of its services. The organization, known for its food and clothing distribution and transitional housing programs, remains operational with a robust executive team. Despite Jenkins' absence, the organization continues its mission to serve the community.

Jenkins' fraudulent activities involved filing false claims for tax refunds based on fictitious income and withholdings through his company, PrimeX. The total false claims amounted to $117,803. While PrimeX ceased operations around 2010, the filings misrepresented financial transactions involving Jenkins and his wife, who was listed as the president of PrimeX. The plea agreement protected his wife from charges and sought a lenient sentence for Jenkins.

This case echoes a similar situation in 2013, where Jenkins admitted to fraudulent dealings with the FCC during the transition from analog to digital television. Despite these setbacks, Jenkins once expressed that these challenges led him to his true calling of helping the homeless and needy.

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East Valley Photo Teacher Named Best in Art

At Perry High School, photo teacher Megan Driving Hawk takes a unique approach to photography education, emphasizing the art of film over digital techniques. In her classes, students delve into the fundamentals of photography, including the use of F-stops, darkroom techniques, and the intricate process of developing film. Driving Hawk believes that learning film photography provides a thorough understanding of the basics, a sentiment echoed in her commitment to the medium despite the prevalence of digital photography.

Her approach is especially noteworthy in an era where digital photography and instant results dominate, challenging students to embrace the meticulous and patient process of film photography. This hands-on experience offers a different perspective in a world accustomed to the immediacy of digital images, emphasizing the value of each shot and the development process.

Recently, Megan Driving Hawk was honored as the 2023 Arizona State Art Educator of the Year by the Arizona Art Education Association, a recognition of her dedication to her students and the arts. The nomination came from Chandler Unified School District Fine Arts Academic Coach Angela Storey, who commended Driving Hawk for her commitment to her students, cultural diversity, and effective educational systems.

Driving Hawk's teaching philosophy aligns with broader educational trends and challenges. While some advocate for a focus on STEM subjects, Driving Hawk highlights how her classes incorporate these elements through practical applications, such as measuring chemicals and problem-solving, demonstrating the integral role of arts in a comprehensive education. Despite the growing rarity of darkroom facilities in schools and debates over the place of arts in education, Driving Hawk's dedication remains steadfast, emphasizing the irreplaceable value of learning and practicing the foundational aspects of photography.

Gilbert sculptor plans solo show at Herberger

Gilbert sculptor and multi-media artist Gary Vulcano is gearing up for his first solo exhibit, "expressiveVI-SIONS," at the Herberger Theater Center Gallery in Phoenix. Running from January 5 to 28, the exhibit will open with a public reception. Vulcano, a former advertising professional turned metal sculptor five years ago, has gained acclaim for his unique blend of advertising artistry and metal sculpture.

The exhibit will showcase about 30 new pieces, including a special series depicting female ballet dancers, reflecting Vulcano's talent in creating three-dimensional artworks. Known for his storytelling through art, Vulcano's works are designed to elicit emotional responses, blending fun, quirkiness, and dramatic statements.

Vulcano's commitment to art extends beyond creation. Through his "Mighty Metal" program, he donates original artworks to children’s nonprofits nationwide. His work has been exhibited across the Valley and involved in various art organizations, demonstrating his active role in the art community.

The Herberger Theater Center Gallery, a venue that supports Arizona artists and youth education programs, will host Vulcano’s exhibit. His innovative and narrative metal sculptures are expected to draw art enthusiasts, offering an engaging experience and an opportunity to appreciate the blend of contemporary and narrative art styles. More information.

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