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  • 🔍 Gilbert Police Intensify Teen Violence Investigations🚨 Gilbert Jan 03 Weekly Crime Report🍲 From Cold Busters to Moroccan Delights and more...

🔍 Gilbert Police Intensify Teen Violence Investigations🚨 Gilbert Jan 03 Weekly Crime Report🍲 From Cold Busters to Moroccan Delights and more...

Gilbert Local Pulse | Issue #055

Author

Lloyd Heath
January 06, 2024

In this issue of Gilbert Local Pulse

🌤️ Gilbert, AZ Local Weather

 📅 Gilbert, AZ and Surrounding Area Events

🔍 Gilbert Police Intensify Teen Violence Investigations and Increase Patrols in Youth Hotspots

⚖️ Gilbert lawmaker sues Hobbs over appointments

 🍳 Gilbert lawmaker introduces new version of home-cooked foods bill

 🚨 Gilbert Jan 03 Weekly Crime Report: 150 Incidents and 11 Crime Stories

 ❌ Nogales rancher George Alan Kelly rejects plea deal in murder case

 🍲 From Cold Busters to Moroccan Delights: Discover The Original ChopShop Co.

 🐄 Cattle Escapes in Gilbert Neighborhood Raise Safety and Financial Concerns

Upcoming

Gilbert Police Intensify Teen Violence Investigations and Increase Patrols in Youth Hotspots

In response to a spike in teen violence and the ongoing investigation into Preston Lord's homicide, the Gilbert Police Department is undertaking a thorough review of cases involving teenagers from the last two years. This initiative reflects a broader commitment to maintaining safety, particularly for the youth in the community. Collaborating with local law enforcement agencies, the department is sharing vital information to aid in investigations and ensure a comprehensive approach to justice.

To bolster these efforts, the Gilbert Police Department is ramping up patrols in key areas frequented by teenagers, such as the mall and Gilbert’s Downtown Heritage District. This proactive measure aims to deter further violence and reinforce the sense of security among residents. The department acknowledges the valuable role of public tips in these investigations and continues to encourage the community to report any relevant information through their dedicated phone line or online tip site.

As the department intensifies its efforts, it remains steadfast in its mission to seek justice for Preston Lord and uphold the safety and well-being of the Gilbert community.

Gilbert lawmaker sues Hobbs over appointments

Senate President Warren Petersen is suing Governor Katie Hobbs over her appointment of agency directors without Senate approval. The lawsuit challenges the governor's reappointment of 13 nominees as "executive deputy directors" to bypass the Senate's confirmation process, asserting it's an illegal overreach of her authority. The situation has led to a heated legal battle, reflecting broader political tensions and differing interpretations of the state's nomination and confirmation procedures.

Gilbert lawmaker introduces new version of home-cooked foods bill

Arizona Representative Travis Grantham, after facing a veto last year, has reintroduced a revised proposal to broaden the range of home-cooked foods that can be sold publicly, known as the "tamale bill." The revisions aim to address Governor Katie Hobbs' concerns from her 2023 veto, which surprised many, including her party members. Despite conversations between the governor's staff and proponents of the bill, Hobbs has yet to review the new language, and Grantham insists that while he's open to addressing concerns, he firmly opposes allowing home inspections.

Grantham's bill, HB 2042, seeks to extend the list of permissible home-cooked foods for sale, such as tamales, under the existing "cottage" food laws. The proposed changes include mandatory food handler classes, registration with the health department, and explicit labeling requirements. The bill, despite its popularity among lawmakers, was vetoed by Hobbs due to perceived insufficient standards for inspection and certification, which she feared could hinder the investigation of foodborne diseases. Her remarks about potential rodent and insect infestation in home kitchens drew particular criticism from supporters of the bill, who labeled them as offensive and racially insensitive.

The new version of the bill introduces a definition for 'home kitchen,' addresses the involvement of developmentally disabled individuals in food preparation, and grants the health department more authority to enforce regulations. Grantham, however, maintains that preemptive inspections of home kitchens are unnecessary and would effectively shut down home-based food businesses.

Gilbert Jan 03 Weekly Crime Report: 150 Incidents and 11 Crime Stories

In the usually peaceful town of Gilbert, the last week has been marked by an unsettling surge in criminal activities. The town, known for its tranquility, reported a total of 150 crime incidents, showcasing a variety of unlawful behaviors. The most common category was ambiguously labeled 'Other', with 34 cases, suggesting a range of unspecified crimes. This was followed closely by 28 instances of assault and 22 reports of suspicious situations, indicating a significant level of public disorder. Theft and trespassing were also notably prevalent, with 21 and 12 cases respectively, while vandalism, arrests, and general disturbances each contributed to the rising tension with 9 and 8 instances each. Though less frequent, violations, burglaries, and even a case each of arson, argument, and robbery were recorded. The wide spectrum of criminal activities has become a growing concern for residents and authorities alike, prompting calls for heightened security measures to restore the town's sense of safety.

Nogales rancher George Alan Kelly rejects plea deal in murder case

George Alan Kelly, a 75-year-old rancher from the Nogales area, has steadfastly refused a plea deal presented by state prosecutors regarding the shooting and death of a Mexican citizen on his property in January 2023. The proposed deal would have lessened his charges to one count of negligent homicide, significantly reducing potential sentencing time. Kimberly Hunley, the chief deputy Santa Cruz County attorney, offered the deal on November 20, emphasizing its expiration if not accepted immediately. Currently, Kelly faces charges of second-degree murder and aggravated assault, carrying a potential sentence of up to 25 years. The case continues to unfold, with a trial set for March.

From Cold Busters to Moroccan Delights: Discover The Original ChopShop Co.

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.

Cattle Escapes in Gilbert Neighborhood Raise Safety and Financial Concerns

Residents of the Adora Trails neighborhood in Gilbert, Arizona, are facing unexpected disruptions as a herd of cattle from a nearby ranch on the Gila River Indian Reservation frequently enters their community. The cattle have been causing safety issues and property damage, including a notable incident where a cow collided with a vehicle. The problem isn't just a nuisance for the residents; it's also a financial burden for the rancher, Nancy Mix, who reports losses of around $20,000 in one month due to the escaping cattle.

The situation is aggravated by unknown individuals cutting the fences designed to keep the cattle on the reservation. Despite efforts by ranchers to repair the damage, the problem persists. The community is now grappling with finding effective solutions to prevent further fence cutting and to ensure the cattle remain contained. Meanwhile, residents have been advised to wave their arms to deter the cows or to slow down while driving as interim measures to avoid accidents and further property damage.

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