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  • 🚔 Gilbert police chief continues push for crime lab 🍴 Downtown Gilbert: A Culinary and Cultural Oasis and more...

🚔 Gilbert police chief continues push for crime lab 🍴 Downtown Gilbert: A Culinary and Cultural Oasis and more...

Gilbert Local Pulse | Issue #050

Author

Lloyd Heath
December 28, 2023

In this issue of Gilbert Local Pulse

🌤️ Gilbert, AZ Local Weather

 📅 Gilbert, AZ and Surrounding Area Events

 🚔 Gilbert police chief continues push for crime lab

 🔍 Gilbert Goon' Girlfriend Recalls Fatal Halloween Party Crime Scene

 🏗️ Here are developments in Gilbert to watch in 2024

 🍴 Downtown Gilbert: A Culinary and Cultural Oasis in the Heritage District

 🤝East Valley Moms offers help, camaraderie

 🎉' Noon Year's Eve' event coming to Freestone Recreation Center

December Ongoing

December Upcoming Events

Gilbert police chief continues push for crime lab

The Gilbert Police Department currently relies on the Mesa Police Department for its crime lab services. However, Police Chief Michael Soelberg is advocating for Gilbert to establish its own facility due to concerns about the region's population growth and a rising trend of violent crime. Soelberg emphasized the necessity of being self-reliant, especially given the increasing demand and capacity issues facing regional crime labs. He referred to the success of Gilbert's Public Safety Training Facility, completed in 2021, as a model for proactive investment in public safety infrastructure.

The proposed Gilbert crime lab comes with a hefty price tag, estimated at $70 million for a Gilbert-only facility and $81 million for a larger version that could serve neighboring areas like Queen Creek and Apache Junction. The costs are expected to rise by approximately $5 million each year the project is delayed. Once operational, the lab would cost around $3.2 million annually to run.

Soelberg highlighted the critical role of forensic evidence in the justice system, noting its significant impact on charging and conviction rates across various crimes. He also pointed out the strategic importance of processing property crimes to prevent more serious offenses in the future. However, the increasing turnaround times at the Mesa lab and the inability to prioritize Gilbert's cases are pressing issues.

While alternatives such as partnering with Chandler, utilizing state or federal resources, or engaging in public-private partnerships have been considered, they were deemed insufficient for Gilbert's long-term needs. Despite the recognized necessity for the lab, the high costs have raised concerns among town council members, with Mayor Brigette Peterson expressing reservations about convincing residents of its value.

The decision to proceed with the crime lab will be part of a broader discussion on prioritizing capital improvement projects for the town, including considerations for funding through bonds or sales tax increases.

Gilbert Goon' Girlfriend Recalls Fatal Halloween Party Crime Scene

In the wake of the brutal murder of 16-year-old Preston Lord, a chilling account has emerged from Karli Heinmiller, whose daughter was inadvertently involved with a gang known as the "Gilbert Goons." Heinmiller's daughter, who was at a Queen Creek Halloween party where Lord was fatally beaten, recounted to detectives her then-boyfriend's admission of knocking Lord out. This revelation comes amidst a backdrop of increasing concern over the Goons, a group of predominantly white, affluent teenagers known for their violent blitz attacks and anti-social behavior in the Southeast Valley.

Heinmiller described her daughter's transformation from a competitive cheerleader to a troubled teen under the influence of the Goons. Despite her efforts to monitor and control her daughter's associations, including infiltrating the Goons' social media circles, Heinmiller found herself and her family targeted and terrorized by the gang. The severity of the Goons' activities and their influence became painfully clear with Lord's murder, an event that Heinmiller had feared as the "worst-case scenario."

The Gilbert Police Department has been criticized for its handling of the Goons' activities, with Heinmiller reporting planned attacks that seemed to go unaddressed. While the police have reopened investigations into the gang's activities, the pervasive influence and the randomness of their attacks continue to haunt the community. Heinmiller's daughter, now distancing herself from the gang, cooperated with authorities, providing insights into the night of Lord's murder and the dynamics within the Goons.

This case highlights the complex challenges of policing youth violence, the impact of gangs on communities, and the desperate measures parents take to protect their children from destructive influences. As the investigation continues, the community remains on edge, hoping for justice for Lord and a resolution to the threat posed by the Gilbert Goons. Read Full Story…

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Here are developments in Gilbert to watch in 2024

The southeast Valley, including the towns of Gilbert and Queen Creek, has witnessed significant growth over recent decades. Gilbert's expansion peaked in the 1990s, while Queen Creek currently ranks as one of the fastest-growing towns in the nation. Both towns are preparing for substantial development projects in 2024, ranging from residential housing to industrial and commercial ventures.

In Gilbert, a notable development is The Ranch, a 331-acre master-planned project. Approved by the Town Council in April and later sold to developers for $107.5 million, this initiative is a collaboration between Indicap, Comena Group, and Langley Properties. It aims to introduce light industrial spaces, general commercial development, and multi-family housing. The construction of 750 multi-family units and 27 acres of commercial space is expected to commence in spring 2024, with the broader plans of The Ranch being a focal point for the community.

Additionally, Gilbert is set to revamp its Water Tower Plaza with construction beginning in January. The plaza, a central community spot, will temporarily close during the renovations but is anticipated to reopen in fall 2024. The $7 million project, funded by the town's general fund, will feature new amenities such as a splash pad, shaded picnic area, and enhanced event space, promising to offer residents an improved public area for recreation and gatherings.

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Downtown Gilbert: A Culinary and Cultural Oasis in the Heritage District

Downtown Gilbert, known as the Heritage District, has become a haven for food enthusiasts, featuring over 30 restaurants offering a diverse range of cuisines. From Joe's Real BBQ's smoked specialties to Sushi Brokers' unique sushi offerings, the district provides a sensory feast. The area is further enlivened by weekend markets like the Gilbert Farmers Market and various local events that blend food and culture, transforming the Heritage District into a dynamic center of activity both day and night.

The district's allure isn't limited to its culinary variety. It also boasts inviting patios and a family-oriented environment. Establishments like The Farmhouse Restaurant, with its classic breakfasts, and Sotol Modern Cocktail Kitchen, known for inventive beverages, reflect the district's journey from its agricultural beginnings to a modern culinary destination. Seasonal celebrations, such as Harvest in the Heritage District, embody the communal spirit with festive decorations.

For a more hands-on experience, the Downtown Gilbert Food Tour offers a three-hour exploration of the area's most beloved and lively dining spots. Future enhancements, including Bottled Blonde's rooftop patio, promise to expand the district's nightlife while maintaining its family-friendly charm.

The Heritage District in Downtown Gilbert is more than a mere collection of restaurants; it's a locale where every meal can turn into a cherished memory. As it continues to grow with new establishments and events, it stands as a testament to those in search of a rich blend of flavors, cultural experiences, and entertainment. The Heritage District is a destination that promises a unique taste and experience for both residents and visitors alike.

East Valley Moms offers help, camaraderie

East Valley Moms has emerged as a digital haven for mothers seeking guidance, camaraderie, and local insight into parenting. For a decade, this platform has provided invaluable tips and ideas to mothers in the Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe, Chandler, and Queen Creek communities. The content ranges from practical advice like finding last-minute babysitters and kid-friendly restaurants to navigating parenting challenges such as raising children on the autism spectrum and finding activities to beat the heat.

Amy McConnell, the owner and chief curator, has significantly expanded the platform's reach, now engaging with approximately 100,000 women across blogs and social media. McConnell's journey with East Valley Moms began during her own first-time motherhood journey, discovering the blog in 2019. With a background in public relations and journalism, she contributed articles and eventually took ownership in 2020. Under her guidance, the platform has sharpened its focus on hyper-local content, resonating deeply with the community.

The platform is not just about disseminating information but also about creating a supportive community through events like playdates and Mom's Night Out. McConnell and her team of volunteer writers, all mothers themselves, cover a wide range of topics reflecting their diverse experiences and expertise. From dealing with cerebral palsy and co-parenting to managing the hectic life of a working mom, the platform offers a real, unpolished look into the multifaceted world of motherhood.

Moreover, East Valley Moms is a resource hub, offering guides on various topics, from navigating the local government's resources to handling mental illness in children. McConnell emphasizes the platform's commitment to addressing both light-hearted and serious topics, providing a comprehensive view of motherhood's challenges and joys.

Despite its growth and success, the platform remains a "hobby business," with McConnell balancing her time between managing the content, homeschooling her child, and maintaining their family grove. The site's income is reinvested into community-building events, which are intentionally kept small to foster genuine connections and support among members.

In essence, East Valley Moms is more than just a blog; it's a community where local mothers find a shared sense of purpose, support, and connection, all while navigating the complexities of parenting.

Noon Year's Eve' event coming to Freestone Recreation Center

The town of Gilbert is gearing up for a vibrant "Noon Year's Eve" celebration at the Freestone Recreation Center, located at 1141 E. Guadalupe Road. This festive event promises a fun-filled morning packed with various activities for the town's children. The lineup includes an array of games, creative crafts sessions, a competitive rock-climbing contest, and entertaining rounds of BINGO. The highlight of the celebration will be the Ball-oon Drop at precisely noon, which will be followed by a communal cheers toast with ice-cold apple cider, adding a fizzy end to the morning festivities.

Moreover, this event is completely free to attend. Attendees who check in between 10 a.m. to noon will enjoy an added perk of complimentary access to the facility for the entire day. In addition, residents looking to extend their recreation time beyond this event can take advantage of a special membership offer. From December 29-31, the recreation center is offering a 20% discount on all six-month or annual memberships, providing a perfect opportunity for families to commit to a year of fun and fitness.

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