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  • 🤔 Heritage North Sparks Debate 🎉 Arizona teachers get free admission 🏈 Brock Purdy leads all players for NFL Pro Bowl and more...

🤔 Heritage North Sparks Debate 🎉 Arizona teachers get free admission 🏈 Brock Purdy leads all players for NFL Pro Bowl and more...

Gilbert Local Pulse | Issue #054

Author

Lloyd Heath
January 03, 2024

In this issue of Gilbert Local Pulse

🌤️ Gilbert, AZ Local Weather

 📅 Gilbert, AZ and Surrounding Area Events

 🌀 Whispers of groundwater regulations spur surges of deeper, higher-capacity wells

 🤔 Heritage North Sparks Debate with Proposed Parking Charges

 🚨 Gilbert Teen Death in Dirt Bike Collision Begs the Question - "Are these legal to ride?"

 💼 Small-business grants you can apply for in 2024 — and where to find them.

 🎉 Arizona teachers get free admission to SeaWorld San Diego all year

♻️ Register for Jan. 20 'QC Recycles' drive-thru event

 🏈 Brock Purdy leads all players for NFL Pro Bowl

Upcoming

Whispers of groundwater regulations spur surges of deeper, higher-capacity wells

In southeastern Arizona's Willcox, a 2022 ballot measure proposing to halt new groundwater irrigation under state regulations was decisively defeated by voters and interest groups. The community recognized the issue of overdrafting in the Willcox Basin, where groundwater extraction exceeds natural replenishment. However, they resisted state control, fearing it would not allow for the development tailored to their rural needs, differing from urban centers like Phoenix and Tucson. As the debate unfolded, well applications in the area surged, with some proposing significantly deeper and more powerful wells, a trend seen statewide when regulation is discussed.

Despite the need for groundwater management, Governor Katie Hobbs' recent efforts to reform rural water policies face challenges, including the departure of key agricultural stakeholders from the council and legislative resistance. Local officials and experts worry about delays allowing larger farms to continue expanding their groundwater use, which could harm smaller farms and homes. The state's outdated Groundwater Management Act and lack of comprehensive data further complicate the issue. Despite some local initiatives to regulate groundwater use, broader legislative solutions remain elusive, hindered by political and economic interests.

Heritage North Sparks Debate with Proposed Parking Charges

Heritage North, a mixed-use development project in downtown, is set to evolve in two phases, featuring a five-story hotel and diverse facilities. The developer aims to stagger construction to manage costs effectively, a strategy approved by the council. Phase 1, beginning in September 2024, will introduce retail spaces, apartments, and a parking garage among other amenities. The subsequent phase, slated for December 2025, will bring in an office building, an additional garage, and potentially the hotel, dependent on market dynamics.

The initiative also proposes a shift in parking management. The developer plans to offer temporary surface parking during the initial phase, with intentions to replace it with a permanent structure later. A significant change includes charging for reserved parking spots, a move that is under evaluation by the staff and has garnered mixed reactions from the commission members.

The project’s evolution and parking strategy are currently under meticulous review, considering the balance between accommodating construction progress and ensuring adequate, accessible parking for the public and future residents and employees.

Gilbert Teen Death in Dirt Bike Collision Begs the Question - "Are these legal to ride?"

In Power Ranch, a community in Gilbert, Arizona, it's become a common sight to witness children under the legal age of 16 engaging in potentially dangerous activities. Many of these youths are seen driving golf carts on busy streets, and riding both fast electric and gas-powered dirt bikes throughout the area's greenbelt and trails. This rising trend of unsupervised, high-speed recreation came to a tragic head just before New Year's Day.

A group of teenagers were riding through the greenbelt and a tot lot located just across the street from a local resident's home. One of the riders, who was not wearing a helmet, tragically veered into a tree at a high speed. Emergency services were called, and the injured child was rushed to the hospital. Sadly, after a few days of medical care, the child succumbed to his injuries.

The community's concern over these practices is not unfounded. One parent recounts giving in to their son's persistent requests for a mini Razor motorbike for his birthday, after he was influenced by his cousins who owned a Sur Ron Electric Bike. Despite the Razor bike's seemingly manageable top speed of 15 mph, the Sur Ron Electric Bike is known for its power and potential to reach speeds up to 50 mph through a simple hack. This capability raises significant safety concerns, especially considering the ease with which children can modify these bikes.

Following the incident, the concerned parent contacted the Gilbert Police to inquire about measures to prevent such tragedies. The officer, who was initially unaware of the incident, highlighted the frequency of tragic accidents in the area and the difficulty in keeping track of all the incidents.

Small-business grants you can apply for in 2024 — and where to find them.

Muffins Coming Out Of The Oven

In 2024, small-business owners are grappling with significant challenges such as high interest rates on loans, increasing litigation costs, and inflation. However, there are numerous grants, loans, and assistance programs available to aid them. The Playbook has compiled a comprehensive list of these opportunities, including small-business grants that owners can apply for in 2024.

For instance, Hello Alice is offering $1,000 in "American Dream" grants to counter a lawsuit challenging one of its grant programs. Women-owned businesses have a chance to win a $10,000 grant from Papaya Reusables, celebrating Women’s History Month. The Feed the Soul Foundation is also offering $10,000 grants to marginalized culinary professionals, including six months of business development consulting.

Moreover, there are various grants with rolling deadlines. The Verizon Small Business Digital Ready online community and the National Science Foundation’s America’s Seed Fund provide substantial funding for small businesses throughout the year. Additionally, the National Association for the Self-Employed offers a $4,000 growth grant on a rolling basis.

The jewelry industry has its specific opportunity with the 2024 Halstead Grant, which supports new talent with cash and gift cards. Other resources like Hello Alice, Hello Skip, and Grants.gov list various grant opportunities, while the CHIPS Act and the Small Business Administration’s 7a lending program offer potential funding and loans. For rural businesses, the USDA’s Business and Industry Loan Guarantee program provides loan guarantees to help lower interest rates.

Arizona teachers get free admission to SeaWorld San Diego all year

In a generous nod to educators, SeaWorld San Diego has launched an initiative offering free entry to all actively working and certified K-12 teachers in Arizona and Southern California throughout 2024. The 'Teacher Fun Card' is the passkey to this exciting opportunity, granting unlimited access to the park until the end of the year. Additionally, for a limited period, these teachers can avail themselves of two extra single-day tickets, designed for use during specified intervals.

Teachers keen to make the most of this offer need to get verified through GovX, register online, and plan a visit to the park by May 31. More information about this rewarding experience and the registration process can be found by visiting www.seaworldsandiego.com/teacher to learn more.

Register for Jan. 20 'QC Recycles' drive-thru event

In Queen Creek, the upcoming QC Recycles drive-thru drop-off event is slated for Saturday, January 20th, from 7 to 11 a.m. This free service for town residents will take place at the Field Operations Facility on 220th Street. Pre-registration is available online, with an early sign-up bonus of a fast pass to expedite the process. Participants can bring a variety of items, including appliances, electronics, metals, and tires. Specific partnerships facilitate the recycling of textiles, small furniture, and construction materials. However, hazardous materials, air conditioners, batteries, mattresses, and commercial items are not accepted. Residents are reminded that regular recyclables should continue to go to the QC Recycling Center. For more information about the town’s recycling services, go to queencreekaz.gov/departments/trash-recycling/recycling.

Brock Purdy leads all players for NFL Pro Bowl

San Francisco's quarterback Brock Purdy has emerged as the top favorite in the 2024 Pro Bowl Games Vote, sponsored by Verizon. Hailing from Queen Creek and a Perry High School alumnus, Purdy garnered an impressive 451,864 votes by the end of the fan voting period on Christmas Day.

Following closely behind, San Francisco's running back, Christian McCaffrey, secured the second spot with 429,993 votes. They are joined by notable players like Miami's quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, San Francisco's tight end George Kittle, and Kansas City's tight end Travis Kelsey, showcasing their significant fan support.

The eagerly awaited AFC and NFC player rosters for The Pro Bowl Games will be unveiled on the evening of Wednesday, January 3. The final selection of players is a culmination of votes from fans, players, and coaches, each contributing equally to the decision-making process. This collective voting is integral to determining the esteemed all-star players set to compete in this year's Pro Bowl Games.

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